Manchester United vs San Jose Earthquakes ends in stalemate but plenty more young reds got a run out
By Ollie Slack
Manchester United’s second match of their preseason tour of the USA ended goalless after drawing 0-0 with San Jose Earthquakes. Despite the draw, Jose Mourinho gave further minutes to a number of youth products.
At this stage of the year, it is just important to get the players’ fitness levels up ahead of the new season. Therefore, Mourinho will not be too concerned that his Red Devils are yet to win.
He is also missing a number of his squad who competed in the World Cup. Nemanja Matic however, did join up with his teammates last week, as did Alexis Sanchez who was originally delayed on his way to LA after he had a few issues with his visa.
Despite Matic’s arrival in the states, he did not take part in their friendly against San Jose Earthquakes yesterday afternoon. Mourinho named four changes from the side that started the 1-1 draw with Club America.
Joel Pereira came in for Lee Grant, the only change in United’s back five. Scott McTominay made way for youth product James Garner. And after impressing in Friday’s draw, Tahith Chong came in for Juan Mata. Alexis Sanchez also started ahead of Demetri Mitchell.
United’s defenders were involved at the attacking end again 20 minutes later. Matteo Darmian, who had entered play after Antonio Valencia got injured in the 7th minute, pulled the ball back from the right byline to Luke Shaw, who drilled his shot into the ground and onto the roof of the net.
Sanchez got back in the action again a minute before the half-hour mark. His free-kick 30-yards out from the centre of the goal was whipped viciously towards the goal but it was always curling wide.
Mourinho made a number of changes at the break: Lee Grant (Joel Pereira), Tim Fosu-Mensah (Eric Bailly), Axel Tuanzebe (Chris Smalling), Scott McTominay (James Garner) and Juan Mata (Tahith Chong).
United continued to dominate after the half-time interval with the same players influencing proceedings. Herrera’s infield pass to Sanchez was moved further on out to Shaw on the left corner of the 18-yard box. He let rip a powerfully driven shot, but it flicked the side netting as it sailed behind the goal.
Moments later, United’s defenders were asked for the first time in the match to do their jobs. Timothy Fosu-Mensah showed his agility to make a terrific block on the line, sliding behind keeper Grant to keep the ball out.
Lee Grant was called into action a couple more times before the end of the match, but it was the crossbar who Mourinho will be thanking the most. With around 10 minutes to go, San Jose hit the same crossbar Bailly struck in the first half from a dangerously delivered corner.
So Manchester United are yet to win on their preseason tour, however, with players returning to the squad week by week, Mourinho will be looking at a stronger squad. Most importantly the players continue to get minutes under the belt and the young reds showcase their talents.