Noam Emeran of Manchester United celebrates his breakthrough goal during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Ullevaal Stadium on July 12, 2023 in Oslo, Norway.
Image: Sky Sports
Manchester United beat Leeds 2-0 in preseason friendly
By Valentine Amanze
Manchester United’s latest acquisition and England international, Mason Mount, has made his debut for the Red Devils in a 2-0 pre-season victory against Leeds United at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway on Wednesday July 12, 2023.
The £60 million signing from Chelsea came close to opening the scoring with an ambitious attempt from distance early in the game, which flew inches across the crossbar.
But victory came the way of Manchester United in the second-half through Noam Emeran and Joe Hugill.
Winger Noam Emeran opened the scoring with a fine finish before the Frenchman played a lovely ball through to striker, Joe Hugill, who doubled the advantage.
Ten Hag removed Mount at the interval with captain Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Jadon Sancho – deployed as a striker – also among those to make way.
Also read: Mount makes Manchester United debut against Leads
His young Manchester United team arguably improved as the game opened up late on.
The breakthrough goal came when Norwegian midfielder Isak Hansen-Aaroen expertly threaded Emeran in down the right channel and the 20-year-old French forward opened up his body before firing left-footed past Dani van den Heuvel in the Leeds goal.
Under new boss, Daniel Farke, Leeds did threaten on the break in the first half through Luis Sinisterra and it needed a big challenge from Hannibal to deny the Championship side.
At the other end, Kristoffer Klaesson saved well from the Tunisia international.
Before kick-off, respective captains Raphael Varane and Liam Cooper honoured the late Gordon McQueen, a former favourite of both clubs, who died last month at the age of 70.
How Manchester United lined up
First half: Heaton, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Fernandez; Mainoo, Mount, Hannibal; Amad, Sancho, Forson.
Second half: Kovar; Jurado, Fish, Bennett, Williams; Gore, Hansen-Aaroen, Savage; Emeran, Hugill, Shoretire.
Mount reflects on debut display
“It felt very good,” said Mount of his debut when speaking to MUTV.
“We have had a week of training so it is great to get that first game. We have been working very hard so it is great to put that into practice on the pitch. We have been working on a few tactics coming into the game.
“I have got a great understanding of how the manager works and the way the boys play. Now it is about using these games to work on it more. It’s great to have 45 minutes in the tank. It is a good start, a good win.
Ten Hag on ‘joy’ of Mount impact
“We have seen some good things in the first game,” Ten Hag told MUTV.
“You could see we have already trained, and we have a good foundation from last year. Some young lads came in and fitted in. After one week of training, we have seen some good stuff.
“Mason was great for the first time, but we could expect this. He has so many skills and I am sure we will take so much joy from him, he will contribute to our performances, absolutely.”
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