juan mata scores late to earn Manchester United a draw against Liga MX's Club America
Manchester United allayed Jose Mourinho's fears about how difficult they might find their tour of the United States by earning a 1-1 draw against Club America on their opening night.
The Mexican side, further along in their summer preparation with the league season due to start on Sunday, took the lead through Henry Martin in the second half before Juan Mata got the equaliser after a terrific cross from 18-year-old debutant Tahith Chong.
Mason Greenwood, 16, also came on in the second half to make his first senior appearance.
Despite Mourinho's suggestion United could lose by "some not beautiful numbers" on this tour with a number of players absent following the World Cup, his team started brightly at the University of Phoenix Stadium.
Demetri Mitchell, impressive on loan at Hearts last season, threatened on the left wing and Anthony Martial, starting as the centre-forward, fired over and then forced America goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin into a diving save.
Mata came closest to scoring in the first half but saw his effort come back off the inside of the post.
At the other end Lee Grant, making his debut following a summer move from Stoke, made two smart stops. Grant's replacement at half-time, Joel Pereira, was also forced into a good save at the feet of Roger Martinez but he could do nothing about Club America's goal on 59 minutes.
Antonio Lopez's cross from the right sailed over Eric Bailly and Martin planted a bullet header into the top corner.
United had to wait until the 78th minute for their equaliser.
Dutchman Chong, on for Martial, whipped in a lovely ball from the right and, after Ander Herrera's header hit the post, Mata's scuffed shot went in threw the legs of America's replacement goalkeeper Oscar Jimenez.
Scott McTominay gave Mourinho a late injury scare after a head injury forced the midfielder off.
Manchester United play the San Jose Earthquakes on July 22 before starting International Champions Cup play against AC Milan on July 25.
The Mexican side, further along in their summer preparation with the league season due to start on Sunday, took the lead through Henry Martin in the second half before Juan Mata got the equaliser after a terrific cross from 18-year-old debutant Tahith Chong.
Mason Greenwood, 16, also came on in the second half to make his first senior appearance.
Despite Mourinho's suggestion United could lose by "some not beautiful numbers" on this tour with a number of players absent following the World Cup, his team started brightly at the University of Phoenix Stadium.
Demetri Mitchell, impressive on loan at Hearts last season, threatened on the left wing and Anthony Martial, starting as the centre-forward, fired over and then forced America goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin into a diving save.
Mata came closest to scoring in the first half but saw his effort come back off the inside of the post.
At the other end Lee Grant, making his debut following a summer move from Stoke, made two smart stops. Grant's replacement at half-time, Joel Pereira, was also forced into a good save at the feet of Roger Martinez but he could do nothing about Club America's goal on 59 minutes.
Antonio Lopez's cross from the right sailed over Eric Bailly and Martin planted a bullet header into the top corner.
United had to wait until the 78th minute for their equaliser.
Dutchman Chong, on for Martial, whipped in a lovely ball from the right and, after Ander Herrera's header hit the post, Mata's scuffed shot went in threw the legs of America's replacement goalkeeper Oscar Jimenez.
Scott McTominay gave Mourinho a late injury scare after a head injury forced the midfielder off.
Manchester United play the San Jose Earthquakes on July 22 before starting International Champions Cup play against AC Milan on July 25.
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