Manchester United Shut Out Valerenga in Preseason Win

Manchester United defeated Valerenga 3-0 in pre-season as they visited Oslo, Norway, on Sunday.

Marouane Fellaini gave the Red Devils the lead on the stroke of half-time, and substitute Romelu Lukaku doubled the advanatge with a header just three minutes after the restart.

Scott McTominay made it 3-0 after 70 minutes with a confident finish, and the Red Devils were comfortable throughout the encounter.

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United manager Jose Mourinho rang the changes as he left Lukaku on the bench, allowing Marcus Rashford to lead the line for the English team.

A dull first half saw both teams go through the motions, and there was little to be excited about as Valerenga struggled to be a credible opponent.

United were assured through midfield, but the hosts were nowhere near the required standard to compete.

Just as it seemed to be heading towards a goalless first half, United took the lead through Fellaini, who was clinical at the far post with a header.

B/R Football tipped their hat to the midfielder:

United deserved the advantage as they were clearly the better team, but their lack of width was telling as they often went too narrow rather than expanding the play.

Paul Pogba was excellent in the first half, controlling proceedings as he dominated the centre of the park.

The Frenchman had hit the woodwork before Fellaini's goal, and much will be expected of the world-record signing in his second season after returning from Juventus.

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Lukaku was introduced at the start of the second half, and the Belgian striker made an immediate impact with a powerful header.

The former Everton player met the ball at the near post from a corner and made sure of his emphatic finish.

Lukaku appears very comfortable in the shirt of the Red Devils, and he played with confidence as he linked with Pogba through the middle.

ESPN FC's Rob Dawson hailed Pogba as the player made way in the second half:

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United pressed high as they drove through their work, and their fitness levels appeared good before the advent of the new season.

Mourinho was relaxed as he gave instructions form the technical area, but his side were not tactically tested by their opponents.

It was 3-0 to the visitors with 20 minutes remaining as McTominay found a smart finish to find the net.

The youngster slotted home with confidence after coming off the bench, and his future appears bright at United.

Marca's Chris Winterburn highlighted the player's pre-season:

United continued to dominate possession in the final moments, and the Norwegian side was mentally and physically fatigued.

Lukaku's economy as a No. 9 will excite United fans, and the powerhouse appeared dangerous during his cameo.

The Red Devils look ready for the fresh campaign, and Mourinho will have been pleased with the performances during pre-season.

There is still work to do in the coming weeks, but United will believe they can challenge for the Premier League title this term.