United vs MLS All Stars Review and Highlights

Manchester United continued their pre-season trouncing of American opposition with a comfortable 4-0 victory over the MLS All Stars that contained the likes of David Beckham and Thierry Henry in their ranks.

United took to the field in New York with a strong line-up as the manager looked to give more game time to the senior members of his squad. The one exception was the inclusion of Phil Jones at right back emphasising the view held by many that he could inherit the utility role at United this season following the departure of John O'Shea. The tried and trusted partnerships of Vidic and Ferdinand and Rooney and Berbatov were back on show as the tourists looked to kick on in their preparations for yet another busy campaign.

The early exchanges were frenetic but neither side created anything of note apart from a few speculative long range shots from Beckham that were dealt with comfortably by Anders Lindegaard in the United goal.

"Look at my hair Wayne, isn't it lovely? How much did you spend on yours?"

The opening goal came in the 20th minute from the unlikely source of the right boot of Anderson. The goal, however, owed much to outstanding inter-play between Rooney and Berbatov who combined imperiously before the stocky Brazilian was picked out by Rooney before slotting beyond the keeper. Goals from midfield will be essential in the season ahead and it was good to see Anderson venturing forward and beginning to look like he can be a threat in the final third.

United doubled their lead shortly before half time when Park continued his prolific pre-season with yet another strike. Picking up the ball from his good buddy Evra on the edge of the box, he jinked his way past a defender before unleashing a firm shot across Mondrogon into the far corner with his left foot.

Ben Amos replaced Lindegaard at half time and once more the Dane can be well satisfied with his display as he embarks on his quest to become United's first choice.

The decisive third goal came in the 52nd minute as a fine Rooney clip over the defence found Berbatov who shrugged off his man before deftly lifting the ball over the on-rushing Colombian keeper. Although the ball rebounded off the bar, the silky Bulgarian was on hand to cushion the ball off his chest before volleying the ball home.

With the match won, Ferguson had the luxury of making six changes on the hour as Welbeck, Cleverley, Macheda, Smalling, Owen and Nani all made an appearance from the subs bench.

The first two certainly made their mark as they zipped passes around and generally looked to get on the ball which was good to see and it was Welbeck who rounded off the scoring with a deflected shot past the veteran in the All Stars goal.

It is a big season for them both after promising loan spells last year.Welbeck has plenty of competition in forward areas but he has the skill and the ability to really make an impression in my view. Cleverley will look to fill a central berth rather than out wide as he has done in the past but his technique and creativity could be a real asset to the club in an area many see as a weakness.

The squad now moves on to Washington for the final match of their pre-season tour stateside with a game against Barcelona on Saturday. The likes of Giggs, De Gea and Rafael will all start the game as they sat this one out. The Spaniards will arrive in the capital fresh from victory in the Audi Cup in Germany and without several key players who will be on extended leave after a busy summer with their countries. Thoughts will go back to Wembley back in May naturally with United looking to inflict a defeat on their benchmark of quality ahead of the new season.

For full match highlights, watch the video below:



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