ZCZC
BSP-07
FBL-ENG-PR-MANUTD-MEX-AMERICA-FRIENDLY
Mata salvages draw as Man Utd open North American tour
LOS ANGELES, July 20, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Juan Mata grabbed the 78th minute
equalizer as Manchester United opened their pre-season with a 1-1 draw
against Club America on Thursday in Phoenix, Arizona.
A header from Henry Martin in the 59th minute — past substitute
goalkeeper Joel Pereira — had put Mexican outfit America in the lead at
University of Phoenix Stadium.
The English Premiership giants pulled level 12 minutes from time after a
cross from youngster Tahith Chong found Ander Herrera, whose header hit the
post.
The ball rebounded to Mata, whose volley snuck through the legs of
substitute goalkeeper Oscar Jiminez.
It was a lively start from both sides despite temperatures of 40 C in
Phoenix. Anthony Martial was unlucky not to receive a penalty in the ninth
minute after he appeared to be tripped in the area.
Four minutes later the Frenchman fired a curling shot over the crossbar,
and United came close again minutes later as Mata loosed a shot that bounced
off the upright.
Martial saw another shot tipped around the post, before America threatened
at the other end — where Lee Grant, who started in goal for United, was
called on to stop a shot from Club America’s Paul Aguilar.
Manchester United were without a host of stars still resting after the
World Cup in Russia, including Romelu Lukaku, Jesse Lingard and Marcus
Rashford.
David de Gea, Nemanja Matic and new signing Fred are expected to join the
team next week, while Chilean Alexis Sanchez was thought to be arriving soon
after resolving his visa issues.
“We knew it was going to be difficult because they have been training for
more weeks than us, so I think they are in a better condition,” Mata said.
“Mexican teams are always intense, they press a lot, they are quick and they
showed that today. But we managed to get one goal so we are happy with that.
“We are also happy that there were no injuries and we will keep going in
our process,” he added as United looked toward the next stop on their tour,
against Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday at Levi’s
Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
BSS/AFP/MR/1100 hrs