Van de Beek helps Man Utd win friendly match.

Midfielder Donny van de Beek scored the only goal, helping Man Utd beat Lyon 1-0 in their second pre-season friendly for the 2023-2024 season.

Goal: Van de Beek 49'.

Van de Beek celebrates after scoring his first goal for Man Utd since November 2021. Photo: PA

This was Van de Beek's first goal for Man Utd since his header in the win against Watford in November 2021. After scoring, the Dutch striker shouted, making a gesture of release. On the sidelines, Erik ten Hag clearly showed his joy at seeing his former Ajax pupil score. Van de Beek is among the players at risk of being offloaded by Man Utd this summer. But his performances in pre-season friendlies and his good relationship with Ten Hag could salvage his career at Old Trafford.

A week ago, Man Utd beat Leeds 2-0 in their first pre-season friendly. Compared to that match, Ten Hag continued to field the same central defensive pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. New signing Mason Mount continued to play as an attacking midfielder. Jadon Sancho was once again deployed as a central striker amidst ongoing negotiations for striker Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta.

Manchester United had several good opportunities to open the scoring early in the match. Antony was one-on-one but couldn't beat goalkeeper Anthony Lopes. Sancho and Mount both broke the offside trap but their combination in a clear position was unsuccessful. The midfielder, who recently transferred from Chelsea, missed chances to score his first goal for Man Utd. In the 37th minute, Mount stood over 20 meters from the penalty spot but couldn't get past the wall. Shortly after, his carefully placed curling shot from outside the box went over the crossbar.

Key events of the Man Utd 1-0 Lyon match.

Man Utd made all substitutions up front, keeping only goalkeeper Matej Kovar after the break. In a throw-in on the right wing, defender Daniel Gore attempted a cross. Van de Beek positioned himself well before unleashing a one-touch volley, giving the Lyon goalkeeper no chance to save.

The opening goal boosted Man Utd's morale. They created a series of good chances but couldn't double their lead. Marc Jurado's close-range shot was blocked by a Lyon defender, and Isak Hansen-Aaroeen's curling shot couldn't beat Lopes.

In the second half, Ten Hag brought on veteran center-back Jonny Evans, who had recently signed a short-term contract with Man Utd and hoped to secure a place in the Red Devils' squad next season. Despite partnering with 20-year-old Will Fish, Evans' experience helped Man Utd control the game in the second half, preventing Lyon from creating any scoring opportunities.

After this match, Man Utd will fly to the US to play four friendly matches, starting with a clash against Arsenal in New Jersey on July 22nd.

Quang Huy

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