Man U end US trip on high note
Mourinho praises team’s spirit in win
Miami – Jose Mourinho was finally given something to smile about as a tempestuous trip to the US ended with Manchester United’s 2-1 win over his former club Real Madrid, thanks to first-half strikes from Alexis Sanchez and Ander Herrera.
Mourinho has cut a miserable figure during their twoweek trip, lashing out at a lack of transfer activity while reserving stinging criticism from some first team players.
But seeing his side establish a two-goal lead in the first half was encouraging, as was holding Real at bay after Karim Benezema’s goal just before the interval gave the Spanish side hope of mounting a comeback.
“I didn’t learn anything [from this tour],” said Mourinho. “I know what Herrera, Juan Mata and Sanchez are.
“I know the kids … need time to grow up, I know my players gave everything and in the last 15 minutes we are dead and they bring on Toni Kroos and Asensio and Isco and I thought we wouldn’t resist but we did. That’s the spirit we need because our first two or three weeks in the Premier League are going to be really hard for us …”
The Portuguese has been without 12 key players for most of the tour following the World Cup.
In front of 64 141 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, United were finishing off their preseason preparations against a Real Madrid side just starting theirs. La Liga starts a week later than the Premier League so new Real manager Julen Lopetegui was able to name the likes of Gareth Bale to start.
And on 18 minutes, United were ahead. Herrera teed up Sanchez who clinically swept the ball home. The second goal on 27 minutes was equally impressive. Sanchez was able to divert the ball into the path of Herrera who made no mistake.
Just before the interval, Benzema tapped in an excellent cross to give the vast amounts of Madrid fans in Miami something to cheer but United held firm to lift Mourinho’s mood in their first victory this pre-season. –