Manchester United came from behind to beat Hong Kong 3-1 in the second game of their post-season tour of Asia.
United suffered a 1-0 defeat to ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, and it looked like they were in danger of recording another loss after Hong Kong took the lead in the 19th minute through Juninho.
Hong Kong’s goal came against the run of play, with the Red Devils the far dominant side, controlling possession and looking more dangerous.
Casemiro even thought he had put United 1-0 up after he headed the ball home from a Bruno Fernandes cross, but the Brazilian was flagged offside.
However, after Hong Kong went ahead, Ruben Amorim’s side appeared deflated, with their intensity dipping noticeably. Their play lost its earlier fluidity, and they struggled to create chances as they had before.
Amorim named a completely different XI in the second half and it worked a treat.
It took just four minutes for the half-time changes to make a difference, as Chido Obi produced a superb turn inside the box before bending his shot into the right side of the goal.
United were denied a few penalty calls but it didn’t matter much in the grand scheme of things, as Obi completed the comeback in the 82nd, heading in a fabulous Mason Mount cross.
Ayden Heaven put the game to bed in stoppage time with another headed goal, with Amad supplying the ball this time.
United had the lion’s share of the ball – 71% to Hong Kong’s 29% possession.
Amorim’s men managed 12 shots on target from their total 28 cracks at goal. In comparison, Hong Kong registered just seven shots, with three of these requiring Tom Heaton and Altay Bayindir to swing into action.
The Premier League giants put together 605 passes with a success rate of 91%. Hong Kong strung 252 passes with a significantly lower 70% pass accuracy.
Hong Kong certainly gave United a genuine scare and played with plenty of heart, but Amorim will be pleased with how his players responded.
Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
