Manchester United secured their second pre-season win of the summer with a comfortable 1-0 victory over Lyon in Edinburgh.
The Red Devils were by far the better team and it was Donny van de Beek's fine strike early in the second half which sealed a well-deserved win for Erik ten Hag's side.
United pressed high and caused all sorts of problems with their energy in the opening stages. Inside the first five minutes, Lyon stopper Anthony Lopes had to save from both Antony and Amad Diallo, either side of watching a shot from the latter fizz wide.
Lyon had their brief moments and Alexandre Lacazette caused panic with a fierce cross right across the six-yard box, but United managed the pressure well.
As Lyon settled into the game, the tempo of United's attack began to slow and they wouldn't see another clear sight of goal in the first half. Mason Mount fired over from range in the final few minutes, bringing a close to a 45 minutes in which United failed to make the most of their early advantage.
The second-half XI did what the first's could not as they found the back of the net after just four minutes. Dan Gore's outrageous cross from the right got the finish it deserved as Van de Beek steered the ball home into the back of the net.
Marc Jurado had the chance to add a second almost immediately after but 17-year-old Mamadou Sarr did well to block the shot.
United controlled proceedings comfortably as the game rapidly turned into one-way traffic, and Lopes had to save Lyon once again when Isak Hansen-Aaroen's curling strike threatened to creep in at his far post.
There would be no second goal, however, as United cruised to a comfortable victory to continue their perfect summer.
Man Utd player ratings (4-3-3)
First Half XI
GK: Matej Kovar - 7/10 - Rarely involved with his hands but undoubtedly stood out with his feet. Some excellent passing early on.
RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 7/10 - A defensive rock. Made some nice attacking runs as well and will be hard for Diogo Dalot to displace when the new season arrives.
CB: Raphael Varane - 6/10 - A solid showing. Didn't get a whole lot wrong but looked a little rusty on occasion. That's what pre-season is all about.
CB: Lisandro Martinez - 7/10 - Excellent in possession. Some glorious touches in tight spaces to help United play out from the back.
LB: Alvaro Fernandez - 6/10 - A bit of a mixed showing. Looked a little nervy in defence and was a little fortunate not to give away a penalty.
DM: Kobbie Mainoo - 8/10 - Another glorious midfield display. Kept his team ticking and always wanted to get on the ball.
DM: Mason Mount - 6/10 - Can't fault the energy and the pressing, both of which had a huge impact, but Mount's impact in the final third left a fair bit to be desired.
RM: Amad Diallo - 6/10 - Missed two early chances in a first half which was full of energy but limited output.
AM: Hannibal Mejbri - 7/10 - Really bright in a more attacking role. Relished the opportunity to try and make something happen.
LM: Antony - 5/10 - United tried to play through Antony but his play was predictable and uninspiring.
ST: Jadon Sancho - 6/10 - Buzzed around a lot but is clearly not yet comfortable in this false nine role.
Second Half XI
GK: Matej Kovar - 6/10 - A nice show of faith from Ten Hag to give Kovar for the full game, although the stopper had absolutely nothing to do after the break.
RB: Marc Jurado - 7/10 - Good fun down the right. United fans will hope rumours of interest from Barcelona amount to nothing.
CB: Jonny Evans - 6/10 - Didn't need to do anything until a perfectly timed sliding tackle 25 minutes in. Classy, as you'd expect.
CB: Will Fish - 6/10 - Spoke a lot with Evans in an attempt to make the most of an uneventful outing.
LB: Brandon Williams - 6/10 - Worked hard to try and get involved in the final third with mixed results.
DM: Fred - 7/10 - Buzzed around with excellent energy and enjoyed playing in a deep playmaker role.
DM: Dan Gore - 8/10 - Sensational. Made an immediate impact with an outrageous assist and continued to clatter his way around the pitch, adding steel to the midfield battle. Really stood out.
RM: Omari Forson - 6/10 - Good effort levels but clearly has a little left to learn about senior football.
AM: Donny van de Beek - 7/10 - A classy finish and an emotional celebration. Can't help but feel he needed that.
LM: Isak Hansen-Aaroen - 7/10 - Energetic and impressive. Unfortunate not to add a goal of his own.
ST: Joe Hugill - 7/10 - Limited impact in front of goal but a really effective performance from the young striker. Linked up well with those around him and was always looking to unsettle defenders. Ten Hag will have taken notice.
Manager
Erik ten Hag - 7/10 - Switching up his midfield setup to allow for a little more creativity gave United an added spark, with Hannibal and Van de Beek both taking advantage of the added freedom.
Player of the match - Dan Gore
This article was originally published on 90min as Man Utd 1-0 Lyon: Player ratings as Van de Beek strike secures second pre-season win.
