Manchester United slumped to a dispiriting 4-1
defeat against Borussia Dortmund in the heat of
Shanghai, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan's goal against
his former club being the only bright spot.
United manager Jose Mourinho had said
beforehand that the result was not important but
the manner of defeat may have concerned him, as
he suffered his first loss since taking over.
By the time Mkhitaryan had scored a consolation
goal, United were already 3-0 behind, as
Dortmund showed off how much fitter they were,
with their attacking play looking sharper and
exposing a poor defensive showing by the
Premier League club.
Gonzalo Castro struck twice, including one
stunning effort, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also
scored from the spot and Ousmane Dembele
netted the other, in a comfortable win for Thomas
Tuchel's men.
It was a damaging afternoon for Memphis Depay,
who again failed to deliver, as he was used up
front. Phil Jones also started for United at centre-
back but gave an unconvincing showing.
It was a better day for Juan Mata, who ended the
game wearing the captain's armband and -- like
in the win over Wigan on Saturday -- set up this
team's opening goal.
In front of a surprisingly high number of empty
seats in Shanghai, United struggled to penetrate
even in the early stages and fell behind after Daley
Blind brought down Castro, leading to a free kick.
Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone kept out the free kick
effort from Aubameyang then the follow-up from
Dembele, but Castro eventually scored as United
failed to clear the danger.
The heat was taking its toll on both sides and,
soon after a drinks break, United fell further
behind in the 35th minute as Antonio Valencia
gave away a penalty for handball from an effort by
Aubameyang, who then scored from the spot by
striking down the middle.
Aubameyang had further chances to add to the
scoring before the break, which he failed to take,
but he was looking dangerous.
Mourinho had not planned on using Marcus
Rashford on the pitch in China, but brought him
on at half-time as United tried to claw back some
respectability.
Things got even worse for United though when
Dortmund added their third. Dembele evaded the
attentions of Marcos Rojo with a smart turn then
struck beyond Sergio Romero, who had also come
on at half-time.
United finally got on the scoresheet when Mata
delivered another assist, delivering for Mkhitaryan
to tap in.
Dortmund, though, kept pressing, as Nuri Sahin
headed wide, and added their fourth late on when
Castro struck so impressively from outside the
box.
Posted Africa News Sports
Chapisha Maoni