Match Report: PNE 2 United 1
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was almost the last-gasp hero for United's
shadow squad when they slipped to a rare pre-season defeat at the
hands of Championship side Preston North End.
The Reds skipper for the day hit the crossbar in injury time,
having pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in the 85th
minute.
It was a good workout for Solskjaer and a mildly entertaining
contest for the fans at Deepdale and those watching live on MUTV or
ManUtd.com (MUTV Online). The North End fans clearly enjoyed it
more, as their side put one over the big city boys from down the
road.
Former United player Danny Pugh gave North End the lead in the
third minute and the home side consolidated their lead in the 59th
minute with a second goal from Simon Whaley.
Sir Alex Ferguson once again gave youth a fling in this fixture and
they did well against a strong Preston side that will once again
have Premiership ambitions this coming season.
Although billed as a first-team friendly, there were very few faces
in Uniteds starting line-up who could realistically expect to be
on duty when the Reds open the new Premiership campaign against
Fulham in three weeks time.
Paul McShane, who made a substitute appearance in Wednesdays match
at Celtic, was in from the start to share the central defensive
responsibilities with Jonny Evans. Darron Gibson was also given a
place from the start after being restricted to substitute outings
against Kaizer Chiefs and Celtic.
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