In an enthralling showdown at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Borussia Dortmund outplayed Manchester United, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory in their friendly match. The Bundesliga side capitalized on defensive lapses by the English Premier League giants, leaving the fans at the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
United manager Erik ten Hag opted to start with a virtual reserve team, keeping key players such as Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and new signing Mason Mount on the bench. However, his makeshift starting XI proved to be more than a match for Dortmund in the first half, dominating possession and play. Their efforts paid off when Diogo Dalot unleashed a powerful long-range strike, handing the Red Devils a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute.
Nonetheless, Dortmund displayed their resilience and turned the tables on their opponents in the closing minutes of the first half. Netherlands international forward Donyell Malen became the star of the moment, scoring two quick goals within a minute. The first goal showcased a defensive breakdown by United, as they failed to close down Karim Adeyemi, who set up the goal for Malen with a well-timed square pass.
Malen’s second goal was a result of a costly mistake by Victor Lindelof, who lost possession inside the area while attempting to play out from the back. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Malen expertly found the back of the net, putting Dortmund in the lead.
United breathed a sigh of relief early in the second half when a defensive slip by Harry Maguire allowed Sebastien Haller to have a shot on goal. However, Dortmund missed the chance to extend their lead as Andre Onana made a crucial save, and Adeyemi failed to convert the follow-up.
United displayed their fighting spirit and managed to equalize in the 52nd minute when Brazilian forward Antony capitalized on a botched clearance by Dortmund veteran Mats Hummels, confidently sweeping the ball into the net from inside the area.
As the match reached its climax, both teams looked hungry for the win. Ten Hag made significant changes with 30 minutes remaining, bringing in Rashford to strengthen their attacking prowess. However, it was Dortmund’s veteran Marco Reus who masterminded the decisive moment. With a clever play, Reus created an opening and perfectly set up Youssoufa Moukoko for the winning goal.
The 3-2 victory allowed Borussia Dortmund to bask in the glory of their impressive performance, while Manchester United headed back to the drawing board, acknowledging the need to address their defensive vulnerabilities.
The electrifying friendly match not only entertained the fans in Las Vegas but also showcased the exceptional skills and competitiveness of both Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United. The players left everything on the field, making it a memorable and thrilling encounter for football enthusiasts worldwide.
