Man United beats Everton 4-0 to end pre-season in style

Manchester United warmed up for the new season in style by easily seeing off Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford in their last friendly of the summer.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer selected a strong-looking line-up as he made his final preparations ahead of the start of the new Premier League campaign next weekend, with the majority of his Euro 2020 stars back.

The hosts’ strength showed as they raced into a commanding 3-0 lead at the break thanks to Mason Greenwood’s early opportunistic strike after a mistake by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire’s towering header and a trademark Bruno Fernandes free-kick.

Despite a better showing in the second half from Rafa Benitez’s Everton team, it was United who scored again in stoppage time via Diogo Dalot’s looping header to ensure they go into next Saturday lunchtime’s home clash with Leeds United in good heart, which cannot be said for the Toffees, who host Southampton later that day.

Pre-season completed
Four goals in front of a lively Old Trafford crowd pleased Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Manchester United completed pre-season in the most emphatic of manners.

The boss gave his reaction after an entertaining game, speaking about the signings of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, the fitness of Jesse Lingard, Dean Henderson and Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire’s headers.

He said, “When you make changes, the games in pre-season always go this way, or most of the time go this way [intense first half, quieter second half]. 

“It was about getting the minutes in, try to get the intensity, the work they’ve put in so far in pre-season has been good and we got rewarded with a few nice goals today. That was a positive. We did okay fitness wise but Leeds is a different kettle of fish with the way they play.

“Every team in the league poses a different challenge so today was about intensity and going home tonight with four goals. That gives us confidence.”

PUNCH/Mercy Chukwudiebere