Derby 1-2 Manchester United: 4 Players Who Shined In The Friendly

By Ashish Sreejith | July 18, 2021
Manchester United's Facundo Pellistri celebrates with Jesse Lingard and teammates after scoring their second goal.

Reuters/Craig Brough

Manchester United reunited with Wayne Rooney on the pitch but on opposite ends in a friendly with his Derby County side.

The Red Devils managed a comfortable win scoring two and conceding just one. Facundo Pellistri doubled United’s lead after Tahith Chong opened the scoring early into the first half. Colin Kazim-Richards lone goal for Derby was ultimately not enough to save the tie.

Pre-season is a great opportunity for young or out-of-favour players to get noticed. Several players had stand-out performances including a new arrival. Let’s take a look at them:

1. Facundo Pellistri

 

The Uruguayan came on in the second half and almost immediately started making an impact.

It took Pellistri less than 15 minutes to find the back of the net and he did so in style.

 

2. Tom Heaton

 

Tom Heaton was on for just the first half after which Lee Grant was brought on.

However, the former Burnley man impressed thoroughly by pulling off a save from a point-blank range from the opposition.

 

3. Jesse Lingard

 

The Englishman looked sharp on the ball and enjoyed an excellent half. Lingard came close to scoring a goal himself, but his brilliant curling effort smashed against the crossbar.

The playmaker definitely brought the same energy and hunger he ended the season with at West Ham.

 

4. Shola Shoretire

The 17-year-old forward had an impressive outing – managing to provide a clever assist to the second goal.

Shoretire’s intelligence and maturity is very apparent despite his age; definitely one to keep an eye on.

 

Although often undermined, these friendlies can be the difference-maker for youngsters that decides whether they will break into the first team during the upcoming campaign. There will be players with a point to prove and this is a perfect opportunity to do so.

Meanwhile, things look positive for the Mancunians as they continue onto the rest of their preseason activities.