Mourinho can smile at last
Jose Mourinho was finally given something to smile about as a tempestuous trip to the United States ended with Manchester United's 2-1 win over 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 to the US, lashing out at a lack of transfer activity while reserving stinging criticism for some players.
But seeing his side establish a two-goal lead in the first half was encouraging, as was holding Real at bay after Karim Benzema’s goal just before the interval gave the Spanish side hope of mounting a comeback.
“I didn’t learn anything [from this tour].
“I know what Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez are,” Mourinho said.
“I know the kids are young and 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.”
The Portuguese has been without 12 key players for most of the tour with many enjoying an extended break following the World Cup.
In front of 64,141 people at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, United finished off their preseason preparations against a Real 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 while Germany star Kroos was on the bench.
Spanish international David de Gea was making his first start since returning from the extra time given to him following the World Cup and he was almost beaten in the eighth minute – Bale starting a move which saw Benzema fire just wide from close range.
Brazilian Fred, who was signed earlier this summer for £52m (R901m) was making his first United start and looked comfortable in his new surroundings.
In front of 64,141 people at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, United were finishing off their preseason preparations against a Real side just starting theirs