Home from home in the Hollywood Hills, LA Galaxy were the hosts as Manchester United kicked off their pre-season with straight up style. Demanding dominance from start to finish this was a game with a beautiful backdrop in blistering heat. A strong look for a strong side.
There's something a little different about the 17/18 pre-season. With a blockbuster setting, the elite from the European game have touched down stateside and in turn offered all those fans who support at distance a chance to see their stars, this fixture goes to show that it's no breezy holiday. A chance to blood the youth and establish how the squad will shape up for the new season, Jose Mourinho didn't hold back in fielding a different side each half, both packed with players from the elite pitches.
Marcus Rashford had a busy summer training with Nike out in Portland and that sharpness looked to show as he scored early on to set the tone. This was to be a game where United's free flowing game was brought to the table. LA Galaxy gave a strong account of themselves too though United proved their worth and their strong standards prevailed. Rashford's first half brace was compounded thanks to a Fellaini finish and after the break Mkhitaryan and Martial inflicted further damage to make it 0-5. Galaxy showed strength and battle however and as United eased off the LA side made a mark and through Giovanni Dos Santos the home side were able to get a couple back.
A game that gave Lukaku his debut and saw an almost fully fit United squad run riot, it was a solid way to lay the foundations as we step one day closer to a fresh season. The party off the pitch and in the stands is one to note - a sea of red on US shores, it's another reminder of the scale of United's following. An enormous club with a global appeal, with LA the backdrop, it's about time we made this an annual meet up. Go again?
Photography by Scott Dukes for SoccerBible.
