It was defeat at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium for the reds against Championship opposition Queens Park Rangers, with a majorly young and inexperienced United side outplayed by the Londoners in spells. Nonetheless, it's still more minutes in the tank.
It was a bright start from United, taking an early lead through the resurgent Lingard; Greenwood played an excellent ball through the lines to Pellistri, with the Uruguayan's touch placing the ball nicely into the path of Jesse for a relatively simple slotted finish.
However, QPR hit back almost instantly. The unmarked Charlie Austin met Lee Wallace's cross from the left, running in behind Mengi - who was caught out by his more experienced counterpart.
With a week's headstart in pre-season preparations, the London side looked sharp. Aside from the goals, there were few clear-cut opportunities at either end throughout the first 45. Openings were limited for both sides, with QPR noticeably stubborn out of possession and allowing minimal joy for United. It was certainly a good test throughout the half, offering some early preparation for scenarios that may come to the fore over the coming season.
It was only four changes from Solskjaer at half time as oppose to the nine made at Pride Park last week: Grant replaced Heaton again, Garner and Mata came in for Matic and Pellistri, whilst Elanga replaced James after 45 minutes on his return from the post-Euros break.
There was an early chabce for United, with Elanga's heavy touch unfortunately costing him the opportunity to face the goalkeeper one-on-one after Greenwood threaded him through. Following a further United opportunity which was eventually flagged offside, QPR found themselves ahead thanks to a harsh deflection. The ball initially deflected off Mengi to reach the back post, where it was cut back to Scotsman Lyndon Dykes - who benefitted from a heavy deflection off Tuanzebe.
There remained no avail despite a few half-chances for United, with QPR capitalising once again to extend their advantage. Moses Odubajo made it three after being allowed the space to cut inside from the right side of defence, leaving Grant hopeless after striking from range with his left foot. Almost in an instant after the goal, Elanga squandered a golden opportunity to pull one back for United. The hosts immediately switched the flow once more, with Williams and the two centre backs run riot as Dykes sealed his brace with a finish low into the far corner.
The second batch of changes were subsequently made by Solskjaer: youthful legs were introduced in the form of Galbraith, Levitt, Hannibal and Shoretire - Wan-Bissaka, Pereira, Lingard and Greenwood made way. Seemingly as a result of the changes, United perked up and pulled back what was ultimately a consolation goal. Substitute Shoretire found half time introduction Elanga, with the Swede shifting the ball nimbly onto his weaker left side before rooting the keeper as he found the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
The starting centre back pairing of Tuanzebe and Mengi were two of the last to make way, with Fish and Bernard introduced; meanwhile, striker Hugill gained some more valuable minutes as he interestingly replaced Williams. The younger, more youthful side appeared bright - though they weren't quite clinical enough to punish QPR and find an inroad back into the match.
It must be said, this isn’t a cause for panic and isn’t remotely representative given the few senior players in this squad. Maybe it does suggest loan moves are required for some of the younger players, but an experienced Championship side is still a side of very high caliber. We also can’t forget that QPR are at a more advanced preparation stage within their pre-season programme, given that their league campaign commences in just two weeks. Yes, it’s a loss against a lower tier side - but this essentially became a slight mismatch of an U23 United side against an experienced senior side. Let’s not be too concerned, at all.
Three friendlies to go, then it's time for the real thing!
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