In front a jam-packed Reliant Stadium, Manchester United strolled to a resounding 5-2 win over the MLS All-Stars in to finish their Tour 2010 in classy style.
The 70,728 fans, which is largest ever crowd for a soccer game in Houston, saw Federico Macheda scored twice, Darron Gibson, Tom Cleverley and their newest signing, Javier ‘Chicarito’ Hernandez all find the scoresheet for United. They also were treated as their hometown favorite, Brian Ching, and former Houston Dynamo, Dwayne De Rosario, scored for the MLS All-Stars.
After slumping to a very disheartening defeat (2-1 against Kansas City Wizards) just three days prior, United turned on the style and absolutely tore apart the best that Major League Soccer has to offer.
The match could not have started better for United as Macheda scored after a mere 22 seconds, and was just the tonic that United needed and left parts of the Reliant Stadium crowd stunned – seeing as though half of them did not even make their seats before the ball buckled the back of the net.
But just 11 minutes later, the fans got see another well-taken goal from the 18-year old Italian as he scored with a perfectly placed header that nestled into the corner of the net.
United were not content with just a two goal lead and they went close on a couple of other occasions to extend their impressive lead even more. Darren Fletcher smacked the crossbar following a fluent, precise passing movement and Jonny Evans was unable to get the ball out from underneath him following a quick counterattack that left the MLS’ defenders stretched.
The Houston crowd erupted with heart-stopping screams when Hernandez entered the match with just under 30 minutes to play. Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to give the young Mexican a long enough chance to dazzle the crowd with his blistering pace. His speed was clearly evident on a couple of occasions, and he was unlucky to not have scored with his first chance in United shirt, but MLS goalkeeper Nick Rimando did well to get down and block his near post effort.
However, he was brought down American football-style, and the MLS defender was lucky to remain on the pitch as Chicarito looked to have been denied a clear goal scoring opportunity.
But United took full advantage of the great position of the ensuing free-kick when Darron Gibson, who is known for having one of the most powerful shots in the team, curled the ball up and over the wall passed the fully-stretched goalkeeper.
United tasted blood and it was yet another youngster who showcased his clever skills. Cleverley, a well-rounded midfielder, received a pass from one of his teammates and without hesitating he flicked it over an oncoming defender and then volleyed the ball with his opposite foot into the back of the net.
In Wayne Rooney-like fashion, Chicarito stole the show when he scored on his United debut with a wonderfully placed lob and without any real surprise the roof almost blew off the stadium when the ball crossed the line.
Important
A club like United need to have players who are able to play in multiple positions, and John O’Shea continues to be that player for Sir Alex Ferguson.
Prior to this match, it has not been a pre-season to remember for the Irishman, but against the MLS’ best, the Irishman showed how good he can be. In previous matches on the tour, the versatile defender lined up at either right or left-back, but his discipline and value was there for all United fans to see as a holding midfielder.
O’Shea spent the majority of last season out with a leg injury, and it was quite apparent how much United missed him and the stability he brings to the squad.
Matchball
There was many stellar performances to choose from, but there was one player that stood out above all of the rest - Darren Fletcher.
The Scottish midfielder proved just how much of a valuable asset he is to Sir Alex Ferguson for the upcoming season as he had a commanding display in the midfield. His timely runs, ability to get forward and stick in a challenge allowed the other United attack-minded midfielders to go forward with a sense of purpose.
According to Sir Alex, both Fletcher and O’Shea were major doubts ahead of the match, but without these two players it could have been a different story.
Even though the Tour 2010 has ended, United will travel to Guadalajara, Mexico to take on C.D. Chivas in a sendoff match for Chicarito, in classy fashion the youngster will play for both teams.
Manchester United showed the casual United States & Major League Soccer fan exactly what they are capable of with this tremendous performance, but they must continue this performance for the next nine months if they are going to have a fruitful 2010/11 season.
Ratings
E. van der Sar - 7; Rafael - 6, W. Brown - 6, J.Evans - 6, Fabio (P. Scholes - 6); G. Obertan - 5 (T. Cleverley - 7), D. Fletcher - 8, J. O'Shea - 8, R. Giggs - 8 (D. Gibson - 7), Nani - 7 (Chicharito - 7); F. Macheda - 7 (D. Welbeck - 7)
Booked
J. Evans
Contributed by David Hammons / United View From Abroad
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