Five things learnt from Man U vs Barca game

MANCHESTER UNITED fell to defeat against Barcelona in the final game of their American tour.

Neymar’s first-half goal proved to be the winner for the Catalans at FedEx Field. Here are five things we learnt from the International Champions Cup clash on Wednesday night.

Ney bother

If that was Neymar’s last game for Barcelona, it was probably the best way to go out – scoring against Manchester United.

Reports overnight are gathering pace that he is on the verge of moving to Paris Saint-Germain.

And on his performances this pre-season, Neymar would be the best player in Ligue 1 if he makes the switch.

He scored his third goal in two games in the US after a double against Juventus in New Jersey. 

Leaky defence

Jose Mourinho fielded a back four of Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof and Daley Blind in the first half.

They were ripped apart almost at will by Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez and should’ve conceded more than one.

United were better in the second half when Phil Jones and Eric Bailly were at the back, but MSN had all departed by then.

Perhaps Jose was testing that back four for the Super Cup against Real Madrid on August 8 with Bailly suspended.

Saint David

It’s almost forgotten how good David de Gea is with all the signings United have made in the last year.

Forget Paul Pogba or Romelu Lukaku, the Spanish stopper was the reason United were still in it in the second half.

He’s been their saviour in recent years and De Gea will be crucial to any hopes United have this season particularly against some free-flowing teams in the Champions League. 

Gone-ald McDonald

Fortunately, we weren’t graced with Ronald McDonald’s presence again in Maryland.

The McDonald’s clown led the teams on when Man United played Real Madrid in Santa Clara on Sunday.

But he was ditched on Wednesday for the Barca clash.

As strange as it may sound, it was refreshing to see a football game without him.

American dream

Jose Mourinho described United's pre-season so far as "perfect", saying he's glad his team finally lost.

The United boss said he didn't want to leave without defeat against such good opposition, and he got his wish.

His team won four of their clashes in the US, one on penalties against Real Madrid, and look to be building some chemistry with new players such as Romelu Lukaku.

From The Sun