Amad Diallo returned to Scotland to haunt his former club as Rangers tasted defeat against English Premier League heavyweights Manchester United in a blockbuster pre-season friendly at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.
In what was their third outing of the summer, Philippe Clement’s side fell to a 2-0 defeat in the Scottish capital but there was plenty of positives for the Belgian to take away from the clash against an experimental Red Devils team.
Among the players to impress, Tom Lawrence, Scott Wright and Dujon Sterling were the trio who caught the eye. However, summer signing Jefte endured a torrid 75 minutes as he tried to contain the attacking threat posed by Diallo, who was United’s brightest spark during the first-half. And Cyriel Dessers’ endured a frustrating afternoon, with the Light Blues’ lack of a cutting edge in attack a cause for concern.
Lawrence had a driven effort from distance fizz narrowly over the crossbar, but United enjoyed the lions share of possession without seriously testing Jack Butland in the Gers goal. Dujon Sterling made a super defensive block when Diallo looked certain to score and Casemiro sent a powerful header inches wide of the target.
The deadlock was eventually broken after 39 minutes when Diallo was allowed time and space to drive inside and unleash a ferocious left-foot shot which whistled past Butland into the bottom corner of the net.
United boss Erik ten Haag opted to change his entire outfield XI at half-time, while Rabbi Matondo was introduced for Oscar Cortes in Rangers only change. The second half was a rather dull affair with an influx of substitutions disrupting the flow of the match.
The reigning FA Cup holders doubled their lead with 20 minutes remaining when youngster Maxi Oyedele threaded a perfectly-weighted pass through for Joe Hugill to dispatch high into the roof of the net following a well-worked move.
But it was Diallo who stole the show. On this evidence he has come on leaps and bounds since his loan spell at Ibrox back in 2022. Here’s how we rated the Rangers players from a testing workout against Manchester United as 21 players utilised.
9. Scott Wright - 7/10
Dangerous low cross found Dessers unmarked in the box, which led to a chance. Had an effort on goal that lacked the necessary power to trouble the keeper. Great ball to play Matondo through on goal in the second half. Can be pleased with his contribution. Subbed. | SNS Group
10. Oscar Cortes - 5/10
Couple of neat early touches. Should've done better from a counter-attack after racing up the field before getting dispossessed. Body language off the ball needs to improve. Subbed at half-time. | SNS Group
11. Cyriel Dessers - 5/10
Had his first sight of goal after 31 mins with a shot on the turn which was held by Onana. First touch let him down on a few occasions several attacks broke down round him. Gave away possession initially that led to United's opener. Opted to pass inside to Matondo instead of shooting after breaking through on goal. Subbed. | SNS Group
12. Rabbi Matondo (SUB) - 6/10
Replaced Cortes at half-time and looked sharp. Saw a curling strike easily saved by the keeper then played clean through on goal by Wright, but denied by a last-ditch challenge. Passed up a great chance to score after reacting poorly to Dessers' low ball across. | SNS Group