Manchester United: Rangers (Pre-Season)

After their disappointing but encouraging trip to Norway for the opening game of pre-season, Manchester United travelled up to Scotland for their 2nd clash, the final before the US tour begins. With a packed Murrayfield watching the clash between some of Europe’s most notable sides, the performance from United showed more cohesion and athleticism than their last outing.
United took a first half lead thanks to Amad’s impressive efforts, and then later into the game, Hugill added the second to seal a morale boosting win for the mixed side of experience and youth, with a notable addition of new man Leny Yoro who played the first 45 despite arriving in the day prior to the clash.
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Teams
Rangers: Butland, Jefte (Balogun 76′), Davies (King 76′), Souttar (Goldson 75′), Sterling (Yilmaz 76′), Barron (Lowry 76′), Diomande (McKinnon 76′), Wright (McCausland 76′), Lawrence (Danilo 76′), Cortes (Matondo 45′), Dessers (Dowell 76′)
Subs: Budinauckas, Kelly
Manchester United: Onana, Murray (Ogunneye 45′), Evans (Amass 45′), Yoro (Bennett 45′), Wan-Bissaka (Fish 45′), Collyer (Mejbri 45′), Casemiro (Fletcher 45′), Sancho, Mount (Oyedele 45′), Amad (Ennis 45′), Wheatley (Hugill 45′)
Subs: Mee, Vitek, Jackson, Aljofree, Scanlon, Mather
Rangers 0-2 Manchester United
Manchester United secured a controlled 2–0 victory over Rangers in their pre‑season clash at Murrayfield Stadium. Against the backdrop of a traditional Scottish welcome, the Red Devils asserted an early rhythm, with Amad Diallo, returning to the scene of his previous loan spell, cutting inside neatly in the 39th minute to steer a low left‑foot shot past Jack Butland’s outstretched reach. Goalkeeper André Onana and a makeshift back‑line dealt with Rangers’ occasional thrusts, including efforts from Cyriel Dessers and Tom Lawrence, to keep the hosts at bay.
In the second half, Erik ten Hag rotated heavily, yet fresh legs underlined United’s superior sharpness. Joe Hugill delivered the decisive blow on 70 minutes, thundering a rasping shot off the underside of the crossbar and into the net following a neat through‑ball from Maxi Oyedele. Rangers, managed by Philippe Clement, enjoyed sporadic pressure, most notably Ridvan Yilmaz’s late strike that was denied by Onana, but lacked the cutting edge to break their pre‑season duck.
The match also served as the first outing for Manchester United’s coveted French‑born centre‑back, Leny Yoro, who impressed in the opening 45 minutes following his €62 million move from Lille earlier that week. The 56,574‑strong crowd saw ten Hag’s side demonstrate a marked improvement from their earlier loss to Rosenborg, blending rising talent with first‑team standing, as the squad shifted its focus towards the forthcoming tour of the United States.
Talking Points
Manchester United fans were given a first glimpse of marquee summer signing Leny Yoro, and the teenage defender didn’t disappoint on his debut in a 2–0 win over Rangers at Murrayfield. Signed from Lille for a reported €62 million, the 18-year-old slotted seamlessly into the back line, showcasing his composure on the ball and positional intelligence during a composed 45-minute outing. Though largely untested, Yoro looked unfazed under pressure, and his ability to step out of defence with confidence already hints at why Erik ten Hag was so keen to secure his signature.
The victory marked United’s first of the pre-season campaign, following a 1–0 defeat to Rosenborg earlier in the week. The result, while secondary to performance in July, offered a timely confidence boost as Ten Hag’s side continue preparations for their U.S. tour. Goals from Amad Diallo and Joe Hugill settled the contest, but just as important was the improved rhythm and defensive structure, with a number of academy players making meaningful contributions in the second half. With heavy squad rotation and fitness the priority, United’s depth and developing chemistry will have pleased the Dutchman.
Amad was undoubtedly one of the standout performers on the night, particularly in a lively first half where he combined directness with intelligence in the final third. Operating off the right flank, the Ivorian opened the scoring with a smart, low finish into the far corner after drifting infield on his left foot. His movement, link-up play and growing confidence offered a reminder of his qualities, especially following an injury-disrupted campaign. If he continues in this form, Amad may yet force his way into Ten Hag’s first-team plans for the season ahead.