Manchester United defeated Liverpool 3-1 in the final of the 2014 International Champions Cup on Monday night, played at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami in front of 51,104 fans.
The tournament had featured 8 teams (AC Milan, AS Roma, Inter Milan, Manchester City, Olympiacos and Real Madrid the others) split in to two groups, and utilising a round-robin format the two top teams were decided.
To reach the final Manchester United defeated Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
Liverpool defeated Olympiacos, Manchester City and AC Milan to secure their spot in the final.
In this match Manchester United continued their renewal playing in the manager’s preferred 3-5-2 formation, and were captained by Wayne Rooney, while ex-Southampton forward striker Rickie Lambert was in the frontline for Liverpool.
The first half was an even affair with both sides having chances, and Manchester’s uncertain defence once again raised eyebrows.
Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling had the best of it, and won a penalty which captain Steven Gerrard duly converted to open the scoring.
Liverpool went to the break 1-0 up, but in the 54th minute United captain Rooney equalised the score with a volley from an accurate pass deliverd by Javier Hernandez.
Just two minutes later Manchester United were in again thanks to a deflected shot from Juan Mata.
Later in the game substitute Jesse Lingard scored for Manchester United and the game was virtually over.
Liverpool’s Brendan Rogers indicated that he was happy with his teams tournament despite losing the final, and his focus will now switch to the Red’s opening round match against Southampton.
United’s manager Louis Van Gall still has some headaches though, with the backline continuing to be a concern. The coming week should see United busy in the transfer market ahead of their opening round fixture against Swansea.
