After the detour for the youngsters against Wrexham, it was back to senior action as United faced off against one of Europe’s elite in Real Madrid, a very tough encounter which not only gave a tough challenge, but a chance for Ten Hag to pit his squad against one of the top sides in the game who United need to become more accustomed to playing if they are to permanently return to the top table of football.

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Teams

Manchester United: Onana, Shaw (Lindelof 62′), Martinez (Maguire 62′), Varane (Dalot 62′), Wan-Bissaka (Williams 62′), Mainoo (Eriksen 6′ – Pellistri 62′), Casemiro (Van de Beek 62′), Garnacho (McTominay 62′), Fernandes, Mount (Antony 62′), Rashford (Sancho 62′)

Subs: Heaton, Amad, Forson

Real Madrid: Lunin, Garcia (Militao 46′), Alaba (Fernandez 46′), Rudiger (Vazquez 46′), Carvajal (Mendy 46′), Camavinga, Tchouameni (Kroos 46′), Modric (Diaz 62′), Bellingham (Valverde 46′), Vinicius (Paz 72′), Rodrygo (Joselu 62′)

Subs: Courtois, Pineiro, Gonzalez, Odriozola, Guler

Manchester United 0-2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid claimed a confident 2–0 victory over Manchester United in their pre-season clash at Houston’s NRG Stadium on 27 July 2023. The Spanish giants struck early when Jude Bellingham, making just his second appearance for the club, latched onto a long pass from Antonio Rüdiger and delicately chipped André Onana in the sixth minute. United, fielding new signing Mason Mount and teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, struggled to find rhythm after Mainoo was forced off with an injury. Madrid’s early dominance and composure in possession set the tone for much of the match.

Manchester United created a handful of chances, with Mount and Marcus Rashford both going close, but they were denied by solid goalkeeping from Andriy Lunin. Bruno Fernandes tried to dictate the tempo, yet Madrid’s press and positional discipline limited United’s influence in the final third. The Premier League side lacked precision in attack and appeared short of sharpness compared with the Spaniards, whose counterattacks consistently threatened to extend their lead.

Madrid eventually sealed the result late on through substitute Joselu, who produced a spectacular overhead kick in the 89th minute to make it 2–0. The result offered encouraging signs for Carlo Ancelotti’s team, Bellingham’s first goal for the club and Joselu’s instant impact showcased their squad depth. For Erik ten Hag, the defeat exposed lingering concerns over defensive lapses and finishing efficiency, reminding United of the fine margins that separate promising buildup play from tangible results.

Talking Points

Manchester United’s pre-season defeat to Real Madrid in Houston was overshadowed by an unfortunate injury to teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. The 18-year-old, who had impressed throughout the summer tour, was forced off inside the opening ten minutes after colliding awkwardly with Rodrygo. His early withdrawal disrupted United’s midfield balance and forced Erik ten Hag into an unplanned reshuffle, with Christian Eriksen coming on to steady the side. Mainoo’s injury was particularly disappointing given his promising form, and it raised fresh concerns about United’s depth in central midfield heading into the new season.

Beyond the injury, the match exposed the clear gulf in quality between the two clubs. Real Madrid’s technical control and speed in transition highlighted their superiority, especially in the first half. Jude Bellingham’s composed finish for the opener typified Madrid’s efficiency, while their defensive organisation and midfield cohesion limited United’s influence. For long spells, Ten Hag’s side chased shadows, struggling to match Madrid’s sharpness and precision in possession. The game served as a stark reminder of the level United must reach to compete with Europe’s elite sides.

United’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal was another recurring issue. Despite creating several half-chances through Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, they failed to truly test Andriy Lunin in the Madrid goal. The absence of a recognised striker was felt keenly, as promising moves broke down in the final third through hesitation or poor decision-making. With Rasmus Højlund yet to arrive at the club during that stage of pre-season, the match reinforced how much United needed a reliable finisher to convert their build-up play into goals, a deficiency Madrid ruthlessly exposed with Joselu’s late overhead kick sealing a deserved 2–0 win.