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Manchester United played out a comparatively entertaining encounter with AC Milan at the StubHub Center. Mourinho started the game with Lee Grant in goal and Darmian at right back in place of injured Valencia, with Smalling, Bailly and Shaw for company in defence. Tuanzebe, Herrera and Scott McTominay started in midfield, whereas Mourinho seemed to have set Mata and Pereira on either side of Sanchez in attack.
United started the better of the two and Donnarumma saved well from McTominay early on and also did enough to keep out Sanchez’s free kick. In a refreshing change from the last game, United had 13 attempts on goal, with 10 of them on target.
It was a clever link-up between Mata and Sanchez that opened up the Milan defence and showed the Chilean's efficiency in front of goal, as he put United ahead. But Milan equalized just 4 minutes later, as Suso capitalized on some poor defending and held on to Bonucci’s long ball to put it past the onrushing Grant.
From then on, the two teams tried to get at each other without success. Herrera probably should have scored after some fine interchange between Sanchez and Shaw saw him run into acres of space. Sanchez cleverly read Mata's run and pulled the ball back at Hererra instead at the edge of the area, but the Spaniard shot straight at Donnarumma.
In the second half, Shaw came close to scoring when his long drive was saved well. United looked the better team after the break, but Milan almost won it in a rare attacking move right at the end of the game when Kalinic hit the upright.
It was time for penalties then and with the score tied 3-3 after 5 kicks for each team, the game move on to sudden death. In the end, United won 9-8 in penalties, a 14-year-old revenge served cold. Milan had defeated United 9-8 in penalties in the 2004 pre-season.
United’s first win of the pre-season, even though scrappy to say the least, should put a smile on Mourinho’s face. But United fans will be pretty ecstatic about the display, and the five things from the game which most definitely will please them the most are listed below.
#5 The goalkeeping department is in good hands
When you have the world’s best goalkeeper in your team, you have little to worry about regarding the goalkeeping department. But even ignoring the brilliance of David de Gea, United fans will love the shot stopping on display in the pre-season.
Keeping in tune with the previous 2 games, both goalkeepers were assured throughout the game. Grant could have come out a little early for the AC Milan goal, but it was such a close call that it can be ignored. Joel Pereira, after coming on for Grant, looked secure. He would ultimately turn out to be the hero in the penalties, saving 3 penalties even though he missed his own one.
Pereira, who will likely be going out on loan, certainly indicates at a bright future ahead and Grant will be the third choice behind De Gea and Romero, but you can see that they will be pushing each other on, probably bringing the best out of each other in the process.
#4 The calmness during the penalty shootout
When the game ended 1-1 and headed towards penalties, you would think that Milan with all their experience would come out on top. Yet United converted 9 of the 13 spot kicks to win it in style.
Herrera and Andreas Pereira scored twice, showcasing their confidence. Sanchez, Smalling, Tuanzebe, Fosu-Mensah and Darmian all scored, displaying impeccable tenacity and composure. Penalties are a nerve-wrenching affair even in pre-season friendlies and as such, this win will provide United a lot of confidence in their pre-season tour, which has not been going well so far.
The maturity and calmness could be an indication of the mental toughness of the United squad this season and it would definitely come in handy as Mourinho goes all out for more than just the Premier League trophy in his third season.
#3 The link up play between United players
Manchester United attempted 383 passes with 83% accuracy while having 41% of the ball. What this indicates is that United had to chase the game for most of the time and they did not enjoy possession that was typical of them. But this was a refreshing change, because, United relied on the pace and skills of their attacking players to play counter-attacking football.
A reason this worked was due to the link up play between the United players. Juan Mata showed great vision to pierce the Milan defence with his assist to Sanchez. Pereira stitched together small passes with Hererra and McTominay all through the game, keeping the Milan players on their toes.
Mata attempted to break the Italian defence with clever one-twos with Sanchez and McTominay. He was also instrumental in getting the wingbacks into play. He moved into pockets of space, drawing players and allowing others into the game. This will all be a good sign for United fans as they will hope that with at least 6 first team members yet to come into the team, United will be displaying attractive counter-attacking football in the coming season.
#2 Andreas Pereira’s development
Andreas Pereira does not seem to show any signs of slowing down. His incredible rise in the pre-season continued in the third game, where he enjoyed a little more freedom in attack. His long balls are becoming a treat to watch and he already sees a good pass where others cannot.
He is always busy connecting with the people around him, taking passes, pressing, receiving balls and switching possessions, brushing aside opponents. More than once, he brought the wingers into the game. His long ball to Alexis should have resulted in a goal. It was weighted to perfection. It was good to see seniors such as Herrera always looking to get the ball to him, because he always looks like he can make things happen.
If he impressed during the game, he showed his class in the penalties. To be the first player to take the penalty shows his confidence and the confidence that his teammates and manager have on him. He did not disappoint, giving United a fine start to the shoot-outs. And then he returned to take his second penalty, converting a Panenka, with amusing poise. United fans have every right to adore him.
#1 Alexis Sanchez influencing the game
Sanchez had a great game and scored a goal. But what should have United fans excited is that he played extremely well through the centre and can thus ease the pressure on Lukaku next season. This could give Mourinho another option if he wants to go with two strikers.
Sanchez did not have a great end to the season, since joining in January and has been trying too hard to make his effect felt. Yet, in the game against AC Milan, he was back to his old self. His speed and technique were for all to see and his finishing was also on display. His little runs sent sizzles of energy through the United ranks and you could see that he is raring to go now.
With the full team around him and support of the first team players, Alexis will be even better. Missing out on the world cup seems to have its benefits for the Chilean. He looks rested, fit and there’s the hunger to perform and etch a name for himself in the year ahead. United fans should be very excited by his performance against AC Milan, he looks like he could play like a real Manchester United No. 7 in the 2018/19 season.
