Derby 1 Manchester United 2

Sunday 18 July 2021 14:52

Manchester United got off to a winning start in our first pre-season friendly, with a 2-1 triumph at Derby County.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ensured his squad got a proper run-out but still secured a positive result, with Tahith Chong and Facundo Pellistri scoring the goals, both from the right-wing berth.

Colin Kazim-Richards pulled one back on 70 minutes but the Reds were worthy winners in sweltering conditions at Pride Park, in front of a noisy band of travelling supporters.

FIRST HALF - CHONG ON TARGET

Debutant Tom Heaton quickly showed his worth in goal with a top-drawer save to deny defender Curtis Davies as the Rams settled quicker in the warm temperatures. The Reds started to gain some control, with left-winger Anthony Elanga often an outlet with his pace causing problems.

A breakthrough arrived on 18 minutes, when Max Bird was dispossessed by Chong in a dangerous position. The winger advanced on goal and, when his attempt at a dinked finish ricocheted off keeper Kelle Roos and back off him into his path, the Netherlands Under-21 international was left with a simple tap-in. The Rams appealed in vain for handball and the goal stood.

Derby responded and former Academy graduate Tom Lawrence, who has been named their new club captain, headed over a clear opening at the far post. Heaton then worked wonders again to produce a fine stop to repel Phil Jagielka's flick, with the home supporters ready to acclaim an equaliser.

Mason Greenwood embarked on a promising run that led to a shot deflecting over off Lee Buchanan as the first half drew to a close.

SECOND HALF - PELLISTRI STRIKES

After Ole made nine changes at the interval, there was another incident when most of the crowd thought a goal was coming as Andreas Pereira rolled a free-kick to Alex Telles and his shot appeared to have gone in, only to nick off the wall and bounce off the hoardings and behind the net.

The ball was in the back of the net, though, when Shola Shoretire supplied a killer through ball for Pellistri to latch onto, round the keeper and slot home in confident fashion for his maiden goal in the Reds' first team.

Di'Shon Bernard headed off target before Derby got back into the game, courtesy of Kazim-Richards, who buried a low shot past Lee Grant's right hand. Kazim-Richards led another raid soon afterwards and passed to Isaac Hutchinson, who flashed his finish just wide.

It was almost 3-1 when Jesse Lingard's brilliant belter from the edge of the box cannoned off the bar, while Hannibal also had penalty claims waved away as United looked to wrap up the victory. There were few scares at the other end, although Will Fish made one important clearing header.

 

MATCH DETAILS

Derby starting XI:
Roos; Byrne, Davies, Jagielka, Buchanan; Shinnie, Bird; Lawrence (C), Morrison, Aluko; Baldock.

United: Heaton (Grant 46); Wan-Bissaka (Galbraith 46), Tuanzebe (Fish 61), Mengi (Bernard 61), Williams (Telles 46); Garner (Matic 46), Levitt (Andreas 46); Chong (Pellistri 46), Mata (c) (Lingard 46), Elanga (Shoretire 46); Greenwood (Hugill 46 (Hannibal 79)).

Sub not used: Bishop.

Goalscorers: Kazim-Richards 70 | Chong 18, Pellistri 60

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