MLS All-Stars 2 United 5

Marshall heading a corner just wide with the Dutch keeper in no-man’s land.

United, who lost Gabriel Obertan to injury midway through the half, continued to look threatening up front though with Nani and Macheda particularly lively. It was the former’s lovely one-two with Fletcher which almost led to the Reds’ third goal of the half, but the Scot’s thumping shot smacked against the crossbar before bouncing away from danger.

With a two-goal deficit to overturn the All-Stars began the second period with a real sense of purpose and almost got themselves back into it through Marshall, but his point-blank header was well held by Van der Sar.

At the other end, the ever-energetic Rafael collected a defence-splitting pass before cutting inside and shooting, but his effort was straight at substitute keeper Nick Rimando.

Deafening screams echoed round the stadium just after the hour-mark when Chicharito entered the fray in place of Nani for his United debut. Proceedings didn’t get off to the best start, however, when a David Ferreira free-kick was headed home from close range by fellow substitute Brian Ching seconds later.

Chicharito wasn’t about to be upstaged though and he almost opened his Reds’ account soon after. Rafael’s good run and cross was met at the