SANTA CLARA (California): Manchester United defeated Real Madrid in an ugly penalty shootout on Sunday with seven players failing to convert from the spot after their International Champions Cup match ended 1-1.

United, who won the shootout 2-1, took the lead just before halftime when Anthony Martial produced a scintillating weaving run into the box past three defenders to set up Jesse Lingard from close range.

Both sides made a raft of changes at the break, which upset the rhythm of the game. The sweltering conditions were also a factor as players struggled to get the tempo back up, while the 65,109 fans eagerly awaited the next goal.

It came in the 69th minute after Victor Lindelof took Real’s Theo Hernandez down in the box and Brazilian Casemiro scored from the penalty spot.

Casemiro would get another chance from the spot in the shootout but hit the crossbar with Real’s fifth kick to leave United the winners.

The first four penalty takers all missed, prompting incredulous laughter from a crowd denied much of a game in the second half. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Daley Blind found the net for United while Luis Miguel Quezada was the only Real Madrid shooter to score.

Jose Mourinho was pleased to get the win but emphasised it was nothing more than a training exercise. His only real concern from the game was midfielder Ander Herrera limping off just minutes after coming on as a substitute in the second half.

“I also always say to the players, no risk in friendlies,” said Mourinho. “If you feel something, or if you feel something is coming, get out, because the result is not important.”

Mourinho went on to challenge Martial to produce the goods on a more consistent basis after the frontman caught the eye. The 21-year-old shone during his impressive debut campaign at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal two years ago, yet struggled under Mourinho last season — prompting speculation that he could be on the move this summer.

“Obviously, we want more consistency in his talent,” said Mourinho. “I think today was positive for him. That’s why I left him for 90 minutes on the pitch. He was enjoying it, trying things and it’s important in these friendly matches to try things, which he did. That’s only good for his confidence.”

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane was encouraged by what he saw from his team in their first pre-season match.

“It was our first game and we did quite well against a team that has had four or five games under their belts. I think that’s a positive,” Zidane told reporters. “We hope we continue to find our form fast and that’s what we’re working on.”

Asked about the depth of his squad and whether he was chasing a replacement for the departed Alvaro Morata, Zidane was cautious at being drawn over any transfer business.

“I’ve talked to the president, but we have a roster of 28 players and I’m happy,” said the Real boss. “Ultimately, we will see. We have until August 31, but I have not asked for any [players].”

The two sides are to meet again in the UEFA Super Cup on August 8 in Macedonia, which will be a much more competitive affair.

European champions Real next play Manchester City while United face Barcelona on Wednesday.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2017