Pace. Composure. Finish.
As Manchester City fans are already pointing out on social media, the first derby game to be played between their club and ManchesterUnited on foreign soil was just a friendly.
From Jose Mourinho’s point of view, their 2-0 victory in Houston was little more than an opportunity for his players to gain some more precious minutes as they prepare for the new season.
That said, the nature of the game’s opening goal was a reason for optimism for those connected with the Old Trafford club.
Prior to the game at the NRG Stadium, Romelu Lukaku’s first couple of appearances in a United shirt – although only coming in victories against LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake – were the subject of great interest from rival supporters.
Although he found the net in the second of those games in Utah, the Belgian was mocked by some for his failure to convert any of the chances on his unofficial United debut against the Galaxy. After a few weeks without football, it was suggested by some that the club’s new number nine was a little rusty in front of goal.
This was not the case ten minutes before half-time in Houston.
Latching on to a lofted pass over the top from Paul Pogba, the 24-year-old’s speed saw him beat new City ‘keeper Ederson to the ball. Nudging the ball past him with his head, he still had plenty to do. The angle was acute and the presence of two City defenders in their own six-yard box made finding the net even more complicated.
Showing great composure, United’s new man was able to guide the ball home with his left foot…
https://twitter.com/RantUtd/status/888231740141162498
Lukaku will be expected by many to fill the void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Old Trafford. Although many have compared the pair’s strength and imposing physical stature, pace is something the Swede didn’t offer during his year at United. As good as he was at times in a United shirt, goals such as this one simply wouldn’t have been scored by Ibrahimovic.
