Leny Yoro made his debut for Manchester United following his £52 million ($67 million) transfer from Lille, while Jadon Sancho marked his return from exile in Saturday’s 2-0 friendly victory over Rangers.
Promising Debut for Yoro
Yoro and Sancho were standout performers at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, playing the first half of United’s latest pre-season warm-up ahead of the new Premier League season. Goals from Amad Diallo and Joe Hugill secured a comfortable victory for the Red Devils against the Scottish Premiership club.
The promising 18-year-old French defender was thrust into action just 48 hours after his big-money move, partnering with veteran Jonny Evans in the center of defense. The United faithful, part of the 56,574-strong crowd at the home of Scottish rugby, were eager to see the young talent in action.
Sancho’s Return
Sancho’s return was another major talking point. The 24-year-old winger, who had been on loan at Borussia Dortmund, played his first game for United since a public dispute with manager Erik ten Hag last season. Sancho had claimed on social media that he was made a “scapegoat” after being dropped for a match against Arsenal. His last appearance for United was as a substitute in a win over Nottingham Forest last August.
Key Performances
Despite several first-team regulars missing, United still fielded a strong side. Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, a recent signing from Bologna, was absent due to rest after Euro 2024. However, Andre Onana, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, and Mason Mount were all in action.
Diallo, who spent a loan spell at Rangers two years ago, opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a low shot from just inside the area. Ten Hag made wholesale changes at halftime, introducing a mix of youth and experience. Among them were Jack Fletcher, the 17-year-old son of United coach Darren Fletcher, and Will Fish.
Securing the Win
Joe Hugill, 20, sealed the victory with a powerful strike in the 70th minute, finding the net via the underside of the crossbar. The win was a morale booster as United prepare for their Premier League opener against Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16.
Manchester United Triumphs Over Rangers in Pre-Season Friendly Featuring Yoro’s Debut and Sancho’s Return
Manchester United secured a 2-0 victory against Rangers in a pre-season friendly at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, marking the debut of Leny Yoro and the return of Jadon Sancho.
Leny Yoro’s First Appearance
Yoro, a £52 million ($67 million) acquisition from Lille, made his first appearance for United, partnering with Jonny Evans in defense. The 18-year-old French defender showcased his potential in the first half, demonstrating why United invested heavily in his talent.
Sancho Back in Action
Jadon Sancho, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, returned to the United lineup. The winger had been absent from the squad following a public fallout with manager Erik ten Hag, in which he accused the coach of making him a “scapegoat.” His last game for United was nearly a year ago against Nottingham Forest.
Match Highlights
United’s performance was bolstered by contributions from several key players, despite the absence of some stars. Andre Onana, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, and Mason Mount were all involved in the match. Notably missing was Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, resting after his participation in Euro 2024.
Amad Diallo, who previously played for Rangers on loan, scored the opening goal in the 39th minute. His precise shot from inside the area gave United the lead. Ten Hag rotated his squad heavily at halftime, bringing on a blend of youth and experience, including Jack Fletcher and Will Fish.
Youth Shines in Victory
Joe Hugill, a 20-year-old striker, added the second goal with a powerful strike that hit the underside of the crossbar in the 70th minute. This goal secured the win for United and highlighted the potential of the club’s younger talents.
The match served as important preparation for United, who are set to kick off their Premier League campaign against Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16. The pre-season victory, featuring strong performances from both new and returning players, bodes well for the team’s upcoming season.
As Manchester United gears up for the new season, the promising debut of Leny Yoro and the return of Jadon Sancho are positive signs. The team’s depth and talent, showcased in this friendly match, provide a strong foundation for a successful Premier League campaign. Fans eagerly await to see how these performances translate into the competitive season ahead
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