With the starting XI full of young players, Manchester United beat FC Astana on the first day (1-0). Greenwood scored the winning goal, the first one with United. Mata, like Lingard, entered the pitch to boost the ManU attack. This Sunday the Premier returns with a visit to West Ham.
Manchester United began their participation in the Europa League 2019/20 with a tight win at Old Trafford against FC Astana (1-0). A victory that allows them to lead Group L after the draw between Partizan and AZ Alkmaar (2-2 in Belgrade).
Juan, a starter in the last two Premier League matches, began the game on the bench. Solskjaer lined up a starting XI full of young players, and players such as Mata or Lingard were reserved in case the game got complicated.
Manchester United dominated from the beginning but did not take advantage of their chances in the first half, also Astana worked well defence. After the break, the Norwegian coach ordered Juan and Jesse to warm up, both came on the pitch at the same time (minute 68). ManU attack gained fluency and Mason Greenwood (minute 73) made the 1-0 after superb dribbling to finish with a strike. Minutes later, a shot by Lingard hit the post.
In the time the Asturian was on the pitch at Old Trafford was very active, offering himself to his teammates and generating more orderly attacks. The Europa League is a trophy that motivates the Spanish international quite a lot. He has already won the tournament twice (2013 and 2017) and aims to conquer it again.
