Atlético hand United first defeat under Ten Hag

Manchester United suffered their first defeat under Erik ten Hag in a pre-season game against Atlético Madrid in Norway with João Félix scoring the only goal of the game.

Atlético were typically combative throughout the game with the word ‘friendly’ surely not a part of Diego Simeone’s vocabulary.

United’s starting XI is likely to be the same team that faces Brighton & Hove Albion on the first day of the season with the exception of Anthony Elanga, who starred ahead of Jadon Sancho. The England forward travelled with the squad to Oslo but wasn’t risked with a slight knock.

Saúl Ñíguez had perhaps the best chance of the game in the 68th minute when substitute João Félix set up the former Chelsea player to miss the target from close range.

Norwegian fans did get to see a first glimpse of Christian Eriksen in a Manchester United shirt as he made a promising cameo in the final 20 minutes of the game.

The winning goal came late on when Félix, who was a real live wire for Atlético after his introduction, did well to cut inside on his right foot and guide a low effort past David de Gea.

In the final minute of normal time, United were reduced to ten men when Fred received a second yellow card for a foul and then an accidental-looking stamp on Álvaro Morata. It was United’s second sending off in pre-season following Will Fish’s dismissal against Crystal Palace.

Ten Hag’s team can bounce back quickly when they face Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford tomorrow. Tomorrow’s team will likely feature players who didn’t feature today like Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Cristiano Ronaldo may also make his first appearance this season despite publicly wanting to leave the club.

It just looks right 😎

🔴 @ChrisEriksen8 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/JhMWjGZFV9

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 30, 2022