Though it was just a friendly, Manchester United and Barcelona managed to put on a good show in their World Football Challenge match, with the Red Devils ultimately prevailing, winning by a final score of 2-1. Barcelona's rising star Thiago had an absolutely brilliant game and stole the show with his goal, but United did a better job of finishing their chances despite a lack of possession.
Barcelona Vs. Manchester United Friendly, World Football Challenge: Final Score, Red Devils Win 2-1
The first goal of the game and only goal of the first half was scored by Nani on a counter-attack. Played through by Danny Welbeck, who hit a fantastic through ball, Nani barely stayed onside before taking off towards the goal and finishing a one-on-one opportunity.
Thiago's equalizer came in the second half off of an absolutely fantastic strike. Dribbling towards goal, Thiago took a shot from 25 yards out when United's defenders failed to close him down. The ball curled towards the side netting, making for an absolutely unstoppable shot for David De Gea.
United answered quickly, though, as substitute Michael Owen scored the winner, once again giving United a goal on the counter by running onto a through ball. Owen would have another chance to score shortly afterward, but badly missed an empty net, partially thanks to a bad cross by Gabriel Obertan.
Manchester United play the Community Shield against Manchester City next week before kicking off their Premier League campaign a week later. Barcelona start their La Liga campaign on August 21.
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