Match Recap

United downed a resurgent Kitchee FC side to secure a comfortable win in the final game of their preseason tour of Asia. The match was played on an arduous pitch that had been heavily damaged by torrential rain. The rapid succession of games in such a short period of time made for a pitch that was reminiscent to beach football. The squad featured a mix of youth and experience with players such as Wilfried Zaha and Patrice Evra included in the starting eleven.

United dominated the proceedings with the first goal falling shortly after the 15 minute mark. After a wonderful through ball by Michael Carrick, Ashley Young saw his effort ricochet off the post and fall to Danny Welbeck who slotted past the helpless Wang Zhenpeng. Shortly after Chris Smalling atoned for his mistake against Cerezo Osaka by converting a powerful header off a Tom Cleverley cross. The reds rounded off the half with a third goal by Fabio Da Silva who was picked out by a clever outside foot pass from Wilfried Zaha.

Following a series of halftime substitutions, 18 year old Adnan Januzaj converted United's fourth after he was picked out by fellow substitute Büttner's cross. However, Kitchee were not to be denied. A sublime strike from captain Lam Ka Wai from outside the box and a cool finish by Alex Tayo Akande set up what was to be a valiant effort to get back into the game. These goals proved to be a consolation after youngster Jesse Lingard capped off the match with a curling effort into the top right corner handing United a victory in their final tour match.

 

United new boy Wilfried Zaha was a key player in the attack, utilizing his electrifying pace and trickery to give the Kitchee defense a torrid afternoon. Provided Fabio with an assist for the third goal and was unlucky not to score. Hope to see more from him in the future.