It ended honours even in United's third runout of pre-season, with the reds held on their return to Old Trafford by Premier League new-boys Brentford.
Solskjaer started with his regular pre-season back four of Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mengi and Williams in front Heaton. Matic provided the anchor alongside Pereira, the pair slotted in behind Mata for the most-part. Lingard mostly operated on the flanks, with Elanga and Greenwood often interchangeable on the opposite side of the attack.
United tested Brentford from the get-go, proving a nuisance for The Bees after yet another bright start. The hosts took the lead relatively early in proceedings following an extremely efficient, intricate passing move that commenced in our own half. Matic initially unlocked Brentford with a precise switch of play to Wan-Bissaka, prior to a quick passing exchange. Pereira spread it wide to the aforementioned right back who - often criticised for his crossing ability - delivered a timely low ball into Elanga's path. The thriving academy product, who has shone so far in pre-season, volleyed exquisitely off-balance into the bottom corner to make it two goals in two games.
Brentford subsequently equalised following a corner, which was conceded by a stray pass from Wan-Bissaka that rolled straight out of play. Matic could only clear the delivery to the edge of the box where Ivan Toney - with his formidable aerial presence - knocked the ball to Shandon Baptiste to thunder home in style on the half volley from the edge of the 'D'. It was a finish that even earned applause from a number of United fans.
The home side did respond, with further opportunities late in the half. There was an increased threat in wide areas, with the likes of Wan-Bissaka and Elanga combing efficiently. The former continued to look more assured on the break, continually developing the attacking element of his game. However, it remained level heading into the break.
Heading into the second period, Dalot made his return by replacing Williams at left back. The Portuguese international took time to readjust though, losing possession almost immediately after his introduction to hand the visitors a promising attack (which ultimately came to nothing).
United regained the lead not too long into the half, and in quite some style. Another transitional move was completed with high intricacy, following Heaton's pinpoint ball being cushioned deftly by Greenwood. Initially, it was a combination between Pereira, Mata and Dalot that allowed the ball to reach Lingard in a more progressive area. The latter's speculative effort was parried, subsequently cleared into the path of Andreas. From around 25 yards out, the Brazilian hammered in off the underside of the crossbar with one of the best-hit volleys you'll ever see. The technique was something quite special to gain such a clean connection, ultimately scoring possibly one of the greatest pre-season goals in history. He's making a habit of scoring screamers in front of the Stretford End, and certainly warranted a standing ovation and many hands on heads at Old Trafford; he's getting the valuable minutes which he told me last month are "very important" to him.
Solskjaer made further alterations around half way through the period: goalscorers Elanga and Pereira were withdrawn along with Mata - replaced by Pellistri, Garner and James. Shortly after, Van de Beek was introduced alongside Garner and was handed the captain's armband by Matic for near enough the final twenty minutes. At the same time, academy products Lingard and Greenwood were replaced by our two 2020/21 Young Player of the Year winners - Hannibal and Shoretire.
Following the adjustments to the side, Brentford brought the game to United once again and endured a more sustained spell of possession. After Dalot misjudged a chipped ball from the opposing back line, Bryan Mbeumo found himself through on goal; he finished with class and composure with a curling effort into Heaton's far corner.
It may have been a draw, but it was a thoroughly entertaining one thanks to four wonderful goals. Foremost, it was excellent seeing 30,000 back at Old Trafford!
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