The two rivals matched up in the Miami weather that was more reminiscent of the windy North West; rather fitting for the occasion. In which Man Utd were crowned International Champions Cup Winners.
The first half was once of high intensity from both teams, with each team lining up in a matching 3-5-2 system. It was Liverpool and in particular Raheem Sterling that started the game the better, with the young English winger proving to be a real handful with his pace this was proved even more after Phil Jones brought down the Liverpool man in the area. A penalty was awarded, Jones got a touch of the ball but took the man. Mr. Liverpool Steven Gerrard cooly converted in the 13th minute.
Not only were the defensive frailties an issues for Man Utd, but Antonio Valencia had to come off for an injury. Man Utd did have chances in the 5th minute Hernandez failed to score a chance that almost seemed impossible to miss, the Mexican should have dispatched it comfortably. In some good news for Man Utd in that half Ashley Young continued to show his worth, he looks really sharp ahead of the new season.
So the sides went in at 1-0, Liverpool’s defense reasonably contented with their performance, Sakho in particular a stand out.
In the second half, Liverpool once again started stronger with Sterling and Countinho linking up well and seemingly cutting the defense open. However, it was Man Utd who drew blood with two goals in quick succession for Rooney and Mata, Rooney with a superb finish from a Hernandez cross and a deflected shot from Mata.
Liverpool’s intensity dropped, it appeared as they lacked the quality to get back into the game, even so the arduous pre-season substitutions didn’t help, but the elephant in the room was the lacked their former star.
For Man Utd, their defense improved, Tyler Blackett having another great game for the side surely putting himself in the Dutch bosses plans. Even more pleasing is the revival of Ashley Young in his new adopted wingback role in which he excelled. Man of the match Wayne Rooney was also influential.
An 88th minute goal from Warrington born midfielder Lingard capped off their second half dominance, Louis van Gaal still undefeated.
Both sides with work to do, but it was Man Utd who received the upper hand in Miami.
