Van de Beek helps Man Utd win friendly

Midfielder Donny van de Beek scored the only goal, helping Man Utd beat Lyon 1-0 in the second friendly match before the 2023-2024 season.

*Scorer: Van de Beek 49'.

Van de Beek celebrates after scoring his first goal for Man Utd since November 2021. Photo: PA

This was Van de Beek's first goal for Man Utd since a header in the win over Watford in November 2021. After scoring, the Dutch striker shouted, performing a gesture of relief. Off the pitch, Erik ten Hag clearly showed his joy when seeing his former student at Ajax score. Van de Beek is among the group of players at risk of being released by Man Utd this summer. But his performance in pre-season friendlies and good relationship with Ten Hag could save his career at Old Trafford.

A week ago, Man Utd beat Leeds 2-0 in their first pre-season friendly. Compared to that match, Ten Hag continued to start with the main central defender pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. New signing Mason Mount continued to play as an attacking midfielder. Jadon Sancho was once again assigned to play as a striker as Man Utd are negotiating to buy striker Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta.

The Red Devils had some good chances to open the scoring early in the match. Antony faced but could not beat goalkeeper Anthony Lopes. Sancho and Mount both broke the offside trap but failed to coordinate in an open situation. The midfielder, who had just transferred from Chelsea, missed opportunities to score his first goal for Man Utd. In the 37th minute, Mount stood at the penalty spot more than 20 meters from the goal but could not kick over the wall. Not long after, his neat curling shot from the edge of the penalty area sent the ball over the bar.

Key developments of the match Man Utd 1-0 Lyon.

Man Utd made all the changes up front, keeping only goalkeeper Matej Kovar after the break. During a throw-in on the right wing, defender Daniel Gore tried to cross. Van de Beek chose a suitable position before launching a one-touch volley, giving the Lyon goalkeeper no chance to block.

The opening goal helped Man Utd to be mentally excited. They continuously created good chances but could not double the gap. Marc Jurado's close-range shot was blocked by a Lyon defender and Isak Hansen-Aaroeen's curling shot could not beat Lopes.

In the second half, Ten Hag brought on veteran centre-back Jonny Evans, who had just signed a short-term deal with Man Utd and was hoping to secure a place in the "Red Devils" squad next season. Although playing alongside 20-year-old Will Fish, Evans' experience helped Man Utd dominate the game in the second half, preventing Lyon from having any shots.

After this match, Man Utd will fly to the US to play four friendly matches, starting with a clash with Arsenal in New Jersey on July 22.

Quang Huy

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