In their second pre-season game, Manchester United emerged victorious against Olympique Lyonnais in a thrilling encounter held at Murrayfield Stadium. After a 2-0 triumph over Leeds United, the Red Devils continued their winning streak with a hard-fought victory over Lyon.
Donny van de Beek, who had been sidelined for most of the 2022/23 season due to a knee injury, made a triumphant return by scoring the decisive goal in the 49th minute. The first half remained tightly contested, ending in a goalless draw, but the momentum shifted dramatically at the start of the second half.
Early in the match, Antony had a chance to break the deadlock, but Lyon’s goalkeeper, Anthony Lopes, made a brilliant save. At halftime, Kobbie Mainoo and the Brazilian striker were substituted, making way for Van de Beek and Daniel Gore, a talented player from United’s academy. It was the 18-year-old Gore who made an immediate impact, delivering a pinpoint cross from the left flank, finding Van de Beek unmarked in the box.
Van de Beek showcased his exceptional skills with a sublime volley, finding the back of the net in the 49th minute. Despite Lopes’ efforts, the Lyon goalkeeper couldn’t prevent the Dutch midfielder’s shot from finding its target. The goal marked a moment of redemption for the 26-year-old, who had spent a significant amount of time on the sidelines due to his injury.
Mason Mount, who recently joined Erik ten Hag’s squad, started his second game wearing the Manchester United shirt. With this victory, the Red Devils secured their second win of the pre-season campaign. The team’s next challenge awaits on Saturday as they face Arsenal at 23:00 CEST at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Donny van de Beek’s comeback and winning goal against Lyon in the friendly match provided a much-needed boost for Manchester United. After a prolonged absence due to injury, Van de Beek demonstrated his talent and determination, giving hope to both the team and its fans. As the pre-season progresses, the Red Devils will look to build on this positive result and continue their preparations for the upcoming season.
