Lukaku scores against Man City, Man Utd wins derby in America

The Belgian rookie continued to score to help Man Utd beat their neighboring rivals 2-0 in the International Champions Cup friendly.

Goals: Lukaku (37'), Rashford (39')

The Manchester derby at the MRG Stadium in Houston is a friendly but a good exercise for both teams ahead of the new season. Both Mourinho and Pep Guardiola fielded a starting lineup that included key players and new signings. Man Utd had Lukaku and Victor Lindelof while Man City introduced the world's most expensive defender and goalkeeper, Kyle Walker and Ederson.

However, Man Utd showed more fluidity and cohesion than their opponents in this match. The red team had clear attacks and the result was two goals in just a few minutes at the end of the first half.

The duo with a combined transfer value of over $220 million, Paul Pogba and Lukaku, combined to bring home the opening goal. Starting from home, Pogba made a long pass for Lukaku to accelerate past the Man City defense. Goalkeeper Ederson took the initiative to rush out but the Man Utd new signing was still faster and put the ball into the empty net from a tight angle.

Lukaku celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal. Photo: Reuters.

This is Lukaku's second goal in two consecutive matches. In the previous friendly match, this striker also scored to help Man Utd defeat Real Salt Lake with a score of 2-1.

Before they could rally their squad, Man City conceded another goal thanks to Rashford's decisive shot. Before that, Mkhitaryan had a good pass to put Rashford in a face-to-face position with Ederson at the right corner.

In the second half, Man Utd made nine changes to the lineup. Man City made seven changes, including the appearance of center-back Mangala and midfielder Samir Nasri, who were both loaned out for the entire season.

Mourinho's side continued to dominate and Lukaku had a chance to score a second but the goal was denied by the goalpost. This was the moment when Lukaku's former Everton teammate John Stones made a mistake.

Man Utd's midfield completely outperformed Man City. Photo: Reuters.

While Man City's defense was not solid and constantly let the opposing attackers through, Ederson was also not safe. The world's most expensive goalkeeper often rose up and created moments that made his teammates and Man City fans gasp.

Man Utd dominated the match and Man City's weak efforts could not help them score in the final minutes.

After this match, Man Utd will face Real on July 23rd and this is considered a rehearsal for the European Super Cup in August. Man Utd's last match on the US tour is against Barca on July 27th.

Line-up

Man Utd:De Gea (Romero 46'), Valencia (Fosu-Mensah 77'), Lindelof (Bailly 46'), Smalling (Jones 46'), Blind (Darmian 46'), Herrera (Fellaini 62'), Pogba, Rashford (Martial 62'), Mkhiraryan (Carrick 62'), Lingard (Pereira 78'), Lukaku

Man City: Ederson, Adarabioyo (Otamendi 46'), Kompany (Mangala 46'), Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, Walker, Foden (Zinchenko 74'), De Bruyne (Jesus 46'), Sterling (Sane 46'), Aguero (Nasri 46'), Roberts (Diaz 46')

According to VNE