Sancho starts, Martial scores... but no Varane in Manchester United behind-closed-doors friendly

Tom Doyle17 August 2021

Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard scored while Jadon Sancho as Manchester United beat Burnley in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Aaron Lennon opened the scoring for Burnley, but Martial equalised before goals from Lingard and Fred secured a victory for the Red Devils as they continue to build their match fitness.

Lingard’s return will be a particular boost to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer given the attacker missed the start of the 2021/22 season after testing positive for Covid-19 - and a goal for the England international will keep Bruno Fernandes on his toes after the Portuguese’s hat-trick against Leeds.

Martial’s goal will also be cause for optimism given Marcus Rashford is sidelined with a shoulder injury, while Sancho and Edinson Cavani are still building up match fitness.

There was a double defensive boost as well, with Phil Jones - out injured for the past year - came on as a substitute, while Eric Bailly returned for the first time since the Olympics, though Raphael Varane is not yet ready for game time.

The key appearance for Solskjaer, though, will undoubtedly have been £73million summer signing Sancho starting as he builds his fitness for the coming campaign.

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