Manchester United picked up their second preseason friendly victory on the trot but they had to do it the hard way.
United beat Real Salt Lake 2-1 after coming back from a goal down. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Romelu Lukaku – his first goal for United – found the target for the visitors.
Jose Mourinho’s side had to play out the final half an hour with just 10 men, however, as Antonio Valencia was red-carded for a challenge on Sebastien Saucedo. The tackle was spicy enough and came after the pair had been involved in a couple of robust challenges.
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Still, given the preseason nature of the clash, referee Allan Chapman approached Mourinho and suggested he substitute Valencia.
Mourinho refused the offer, though, and the Ecuadorian was sent straight off. Post-match, Mourinho told reporters why the game had been held up before the decision was made. He said:
“[It] was because the referee asked me to change the player and I didn’t because I don’t agree with the card because Saucedo was really aggressive in second half. That’s what happens. Some other actions were a bit dangerous.”
One wonders if Mourinho really understood what the referee was really trying to hint at just before – left with no option – he sent Valencia off.
