Manchester United defeated Valencia 2-0 in the last pre-season friendly before the Community Shield next Sunday against Chelsea. The goals came from Wayne Rooney and youngster Tom Cleverley.
United truimphed over the Spanish side in an entertaining encounter. New signing Antonio Valencia impressed as he had a hand in both of United’s goals. The other new signing Michael Owen was also unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet, as he latched on to a Wayne Rooney pass, only to see his effort him the upright.
Rooney then missed an easier chance, before Valencia’s Michel struck the cross bar. Valencia made ten subsitutions at half-time, including introducing Thiago Carleto, who lasted just ten minutes before limping off and being replaced by reserve goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya, the only remaining substitute.
Antonio Valencia, who impressed all night, then found Rooney with a brilliant cross and the England striker smashed the ball past the Valencia keeper Sanchez. Owen then flashed an effort just past the upright. Owen was replaced by Italian youngster Federico Macheda. The 17 year-old got on the end of a Valencia cross only to see the ball run free and another youngster Tom Cleverley found the space to find the net with a good finish.
There was still time for Darron Gibson to go close twice, first hitting the upright with an excellent effort, then being superbly denied by the Valencia keeper Sanchez. It was a good all round display from Sir Alex’s men and it was the perfect preparation for that big clash with title rivals Chelsea on Sunday.
