Barclays Premier League: A large crowd saw Manchester United beat Real Madrid
The final of the International Champions in Miami on Monday is the face off of Manchester United and Liverpool; after results on Saturday moved their way in the United States as Richard Farley of NBC Sports reports.
It is already over for the Manchester City in the International Champions Cup with a penalty shoot-out again that dragged Manuel Pellegrini's squad into defeat. The aftermath of their defeat against Liverpool via spot-kicks on Wednesday, the Manchester City had the same fate on Saturday, with the Greeks champions Olympiacos claiming the second spot in Group B after their shootout victory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The outcome created and paved the way for Liverpool, who owns the first spot in the group, to blend in United in Monday's final, with both halves of England's greatest northwest derby using Saturday victors to wrap up their place in Miami. Backed by an early goal in Charlotte, North Carolina, Liverpool claimed win over AC Milan, while a record crowd in Ann Arbor, Michigan saw Manchester United beat UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid.
Manchester United 3-1 Real Madrid
109,318 crowd - tagged as the largest crowd in US soccer history, witnessed Ashley Young dragged Manchester United into a 21st-minute lead, an advantage that Gareth Bale pulled back from the spot for Real after being taken down in the box. Eight minutes before half-time, a cross from Young was missed by Iker Casillas, giving the United winger what would turn out to be the game's winning goal.
In the 80th minute, Javier Hernández converted with a header from close range off a Shinji Kagawa cross to confirm United victory, allowing the Red Devils to secure a spot in Monday's final.
AC Milan 0-2 Liverpool
An untimely goal from Joe Allen and a belatedly one from Suso handed the team of Brendan Rodger to victory in Minneapolis against an AC Milan team. Joe Allen finished bottom of the eight-team tournament. For the opening goal Allen robbed a Milan defender and then followed up as Raheem Sterling's shot was saved. After an odd penalty miss from Rickie Lambert Suso selaed the win in the 80th minute with a fine shot from the edge of the area.
Liverpool was without Daniel Sturridge who has flown back for treatment on a hamstring injury, although Brendan Rodgers said the striker would soon return.
"Dan has flown back to the UK," Rodgers said. "He wasn't going to be ready for the game on Monday - but there's no concern there, he'll be ready for Borussia Dortmund at the weekend."
He added: "It was just best to get him back early, back to the training ground so he could get some treatment there."
(Source: Barclays Premier League official website)