Mason Mount made his Manchester United debut, playing the first half as Erik ten Hag’s side began their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win against Leeds in Oslo.
Ten Hag’s starting XI was a combination of youth and experience, with Lisandro Martínez, Raphaël Varane and Jadon Sancho joined by young prospects such as Kobbie Mainoo and Omari Forson.
Tributes were paid before kick-off to the former Scotland, Manchester United and Leeds defender Gordon McQueen, who died at the age of 70 last month. It was the first game in charge for the new Leeds manager, Daniel Farke, as they prepare for life back in the Championship.
Mount, who completed a £55m move from Chelsea last month, impressed in flashes during a quiet first period. The 24-year-old created a big opening in the 10th minute, passing in behind for Amad Diallo to tee up Hannibal Mejbri, who was denied by a smart save from the Leeds goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson.
Moments later the England midfielder was involved again, winning the ball back before attempting a delicate chip over Klaesson from 25 yards that landed on the roof of the net.
Noam Emeran celebrates his opening goal for Manchester United. Photograph: Ash Donelon/Manchester United/Getty Images
“I am sure he will contribute to the success of Manchester United because he is a quality player,” Ten Hag told MUTV before kick-off. “In midfield you have to attack but you also have to defend. He will bring dynamism into our game. We need more dynamic in that midfield department.”
The breakthrough came on 67 minutes when the 18-year-old Norwegian, Isak Hansen-Aarøen, played in French forward Noam Emeran, who slid the ball past Dani van den Heuvel. Emeran then turned provider for Joe Hugill to seal the win 10 minutes from time.
The Red Devils’ pre-season continues with a game against Lyon in Edinburgh next Wednesday before they head to the US for matches against Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
Spieth and Thomas on board at Leeds
The three-times major winner Jordan Spieth has confirmed he and fellow golfer Justin Thomas are now minority stakeholders in Leeds.
The two friends were expected to be joined by another fellow professional Rickie Fowler but he pulled out of a deal when the club were relegated from the Premier League in May. Spieth and Thomas have got on board with 49ers Enterprises, an American investment group which also owns the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise, who took charge of the club after agreeing a deal to buy out chairman Andrea Radrizzani’s controlling stake.
“Relegation wasn’t ideal but then we got involved with the 49ers group who were purchasing a larger share in Leeds United to do the stuff they do so successfully everywhere else they have touched and thought it would be a really cool opportunity,” Spieth told Sky Sports. “It’s done. Myself and Justin, we’re involved in a very minority stake but within the bigger 49ers organisation.
“They [the 49ers] renegotiated [after relegation] and then we got to decide whether we do it or not. We always wanted to do it and it ended up possibly a better deal, as long as they can get promoted [to Premier League] soon.”
