AC Milan 1-1 (8-9 on pens) Manchester United
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho now has a reason to smile after his Red Devils survived a feisty AC Milan side to win their first game of ICC 2018.
The Portuguese boss has been left frustrated with the recent developments in the Man United camp and bemoaned what he described as a “very bad” preseason for his team, all after missing key players due to the recent World Cup and encountering problems with Alexis Sanchez’ visa.
It didn’t help that Anthony Martial left the team early—despite expectations that he would start against Milan—to be with his wife who is due to give birth to his son. While Mourinho allowed the 22-year-old to return home, it was undoubtedly a huge blow to the club that was left with only two established forwards.
Despite all the issues, however, United produced their most impressive pre-season showing and was only unlucky to win via a penalty shoot-out instead of finishing it in normal time.
Highlights of the game
After impressing in their recent friendly against MLS side San Jose Earthquakes, Alexis Sanchez was at it again and made sure that he found the back of the net this time.
The Chilean forward, who is undoubtedly one of the biggest names gracing the tournament, produced the goal of the match—and perhaps one of the best ICC 2018 highlights—when Juan Mata hit a delicate through ball in the 12th minute to leave Sanchez with plenty of space for the opener.
Nevertheless, it didn’t take long for Milan to find a leveller as Suso hit back four minutes later, no thanks to some poor defending from a Manchester United back three that featured Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzbe.
Mourinho experimented with a back three in the tournament, and it cost them dearly when Leonardo Bonucci hit a long ball for Suso to convert. Even more frustrating was the fact that Suso had the luxury to let the ball bounce before firing over Lee Grant, proof of how guilty the defence was for switching off in such a crucial moment.
With Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford still resting after the World Cup and given United’s lack of forwards, Sanchez took the role and continued to be a threat up front for the Red Devils.
The 29-year-old former Arsenal standout looked livelier and fresher, as proven by his pace and movement, and he almost restored their lead after the break with a volley that sailed wide.
Luke Shaw didn’t impress but came close to scoring as well. Meanwhile, Ander Herrera—who saw a potential tie-breaker in the first half saved by Gianluigi Donorruma—could have had put United in front with 10 minutes remaining though to no avail.
United were clearly the better team throughout, but Milan also had their fair share of brilliant and game-changing moments. In fact, they almost pulled a stunner when Fabio Borini hit the far post, well after substitute Joel Castro Pereira touched the ball with his fingertips.
In what was an unexpected turn of events, the ensuing penalty shoot-out ended in a marathon affair as both teams struggled to pull away from each other. In the end, United took the win after Herrera’s nicely converted spot kick and Franck Kessie’s failed panenka.
Key statistics
As mentioned, the Red Devils were unlucky not to win it all in 90 minutes after having 10 shots on target. Meanwhile, AC Milan failed to take full advantage of ball possession (59 percent) and ended up with just four clear-cut chances to score.
The most interesting statistic of all, however, is the 26 penalties (13 rounds) taken before the game was decided—something that we, at SBOBET, could have never seen coming. All 11 players, even the goalkeepers, took a penalty kick at least once.
Man United’s Andres Pereira and Herrera, as well as Hakan Calhanoglu and Kessie, had two chances each on the spot. Out of the four, only Kessie missed from the spot.
What’s next?
Manchester United have two games left in the tournament. They are up against Liverpool this weekend and will certainly hope to build on this impressive showing to take command of the ICC 2018 betting odds.
Mourinho and Co. will be cautious though after the Reds fended off the reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Gennaro Gattuso’s men face Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham after a six-day rest. That game should provide a good test for the Serie A side, especially with the Spurs coming off a spectacular 4-1 win over another Italian giant, AS Roma.
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