Manchester United vs. San Jose Earthquakes: Score, Grades and Reaction

Following a 1-0 defeat of Club America in their International Champions Cup opener, Manchester United squashed the San Jose Earthquakes, 3-1, Tuesday evening on the MLS club's home turf.  

While United is able to keep rolling, the Earthquakes weren't able to regularly push forward and thwart a defense that looked solid in tune-up action days prior against Club America. San Jose entered Tuesday night's exhibition coming off a 2-1 loss against Club America, a matter compounded by three straight losses in MLS regular-season action. 

Tuesday's game was defined by Manchester United's relative dominance, as the English Premier League side finished the evening with 63.5 percent possession while accruing 298 more passes than the opposition (693-395). Louis van Gaal's boys subsequently outshot the Earthquakes 10-4, including a 6-1 edge when it came to shots on target. 

United controlled tempo throughout the first half, but the Red Devils didn't break through until Juan Mata sliced and diced the San Jose defense in the 32nd minute.

As Mata progressed inside the box, he flicked the ball toward the back post, and it just narrowly missed the outstretched foot of Memphis Depay before fortuitously caroming off the woodwork and into the back of the net.  

Minutes later, Depay left no doubt as he capitalized on some careless San Jose passing and secured a 2-0 lead for United.

The tally was relayed by Fox Soccer: 

The team's official Twitter account then commemorated Depay's goal: 

Depay, who was brought aboard this summer for £25 million, has been described as "an unbelievable talent," according to United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, per the team's official website.  

It's a good thing Depay got on the board when he did, too, because the shutout faded rather quickly. 

United's defense—which didn't surrender a shot over the game's first 40 minutes—conceded a goal in the 42nd minute as Shea Salinas worked a cheeky one-two with Fatai Alashe along the end line to keep the Earthquakes' hopes alive entering the half. 

The game's final goal came courtesy of 19-year-old Andreas Pereira, who nestled a header into the corner of the net in the 61st minute to wrap things up.

While he still needs to undergo some development, Pereira has the sort of raw skill necessary to make an impact during the upcoming season.

"Given Van Gaal's reputation for prizing performance over reputation, and given how many games United will have next season—should they get through their August Champions League qualifier—Pereira can force his way into his manager's plans," Bleacher Report's Paul Ansorge wrote. 

Pereira's play aside, Van Gaal was not particularly thrilled with his team's showing after Mata, Wayne Rooney and Co. were all subbed out at halftime, according to the team's Twitter account: 

With consecutive wins in the bag, Manchester United are set to square off against FC Barcelona Saturday at 4:05 p.m. ET in Santa Clara, California, before wrapping up ICC play against Paris Saint-Germain July 29.  

Even if it is the exhibition circuit, a titanic clash between world club powers should sufficiently whet the appetites of fans everywhere with the start of a new campaign right around the corner. 

Selected Player Grades 

Eric Risberg/Associated Press

Juan Mata: A

With the exception of a few counterattacks, United controlled the first half. Mata was a big reason why, as he did his best to apply consistent pressure in the final third. While there was a moment of doubt regarding his first goal after it appeared as though Depay guided it in at the last second, the Spaniard was ultimately credited on the scoresheet.  

Memphis Depay: A-

Depay's awareness secured a 2-0 lead for United, and that was all the Red Devils could ask for as Van Gaal made wholesale changes to the lineup after halftime. A brace would have been nice for the Dutch forward, but his activity on the offensive end was an encouraging sign of things to come. 

Andreas Pereira: B+ 

Eric Risberg/Associated Press

Pereira was part of the fresh 10-man crew that came on for United to start the second stanza, and he wasted little time. With praise from the boss in hand, he has a nice opportunity to carve out some playing time once the team's EPL season gets underway. Another strong showing Saturday against Barcelona could do wonders for his stock.