FT: Shanghai Shenhua 0-1 Manchester United
Manchester United’s controlled start to pre-season has continued, after recording a routine 1-0 victory over big-spending Shanghai Shenhua.
New Red Devils signing Shinji Kagawa put in a very encouraging performance and scored the only goal in the second half.
The result means that United have won the Chevrolet China Cup but Sir Alex Ferguson will be far more interested in the performance than any meaningless friendly silverware.
His side, which was a mix of youngsters and experienced heads, put in a very good account against a team, whose spirit couldn’t be questioned but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
Rare action
The likes of Davide Petrucci, Robbie Brady and Federico Macheda got rare action in this one and all impressed, although Macheda’s inability to beat the offside trap in the first half must have infuriated Ferguson.
The best chance in the first half actually fell to the home side but Anders Lindegaard saved superbly from Joel Griffiths in a one-on-one situation.
New signing Nick Powell had United’s best moment in the first 45 minutes but drilled wide, when played in by a lovely Petrucci pass.
The youngsters from Manchester dominated possession and were helped out by the experienced likes of Anderson, Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand.
Dimitar Berbatov’s future will be called into question again, as he was an unused substitute.
As Shanghai were restricted to long distance shots after the interval, it became clear that only one side was ever likely to break the deadlock.
Kagawa’s moment of glory
It arrived in the 68th minute and was a moment of glory for Kagawa (pictured), who was the star player throughout.
The forgotten man at Old Trafford Bebe produced some great work on the right hand side, riding two challenges, before crossing for Kagawa to finish. The Japanese player’s goal did come via a deflection.
Bebe’s introduction at half-time did give United more spark from the restart and he could be about to surprise many with his impact this season.
Javier Hernandez rattled the crossbar in the closing stages but despite some late pressure from the home side, the outcome was never really in doubt.
With no Didier Drogba or Nicholas Anelka in the Shanghai line-up, both being rested due to a busy schedule in the Chinese Super League – it was an easier than expected night for the United defence.
Whilst Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham have all made shaky starts to pre-season, Manchester United have controlled all three games they’ve played so far and despite only scoring three goals, have made a business-like start ahead of a long and gruelling season.
By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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