Manchester United's penultimate match of pre-season pitted the Premier League champions against AIK Fotboll in Sweden.
Both sides had chances in an enthralling first period, but neither could make the breakthrough despite their best efforts.
AIK opened the scoring early in the second half courtesy of a long-range strike from Robin Quaison, but Angelo Henriquez levelled for United with 20 minutes remaining.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! United’s penultimate match of pre-season takes place in Sweden this evening as the Premier League champions make the trip to Sweden to face AIK Fotboll. It has been a mixed pre-season for the club thus far, with impressive wins over Kitchee and the A-League All Stars slightly dampened by defeats to the Thailand All-Stars and Yokohama F Marinos.
United have brought a strong squad with them this evening, including the likes of Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Shinji Kagawa and Robin van Persie, but as mentioned, there was no place for Wayne Rooney, who has been ruled out with a shoulder injury. However, there are that many that believe uncertainty surrounding his future is the main reason for his absence.
On the topic of Rooney, United boss Moyes told the club’s official website: “Wayne hurt his shoulder in a fall during a match on Saturday. It's not too serious and I don't expect it to keep him out for too long. I'm disappointed he's missing the game because we were keen to get him back involved and ready to play."
In truth, it does not look good for United and Rooney as a long-term partnership. The club remain unmoved despite strong interest from Chelsea, but it would be a big surprise if the England international remained at Old Trafford beyond the transfer deadline. Rooney aside, United will be looking for a strong performance and positive result against a strong side this evening.
In terms of their pre-season thus far, they opened their tour of Asia with a 1-0 defeat to Thailand All-Stars, before thumping the A-League All Stars 5-1 in Australia. Another defeat to Yokohama F Marinos followed, but the tour did end in positive fashion with a 2-2 draw against an energetic Cerezo Osaka side preceding a 5-2 win over Kitchee.
There were some positives on tour for Moyes, meanwhile, with the performances of young trio Jesse Lingard, Adnan Januzaj and summer recruit Wilfried Zaha. The former finished the tour as the top scorer with four goals, while the latter two were also hugely impressive for the Premier League champions. However, it remains to be seen how big a part they play when it really matters.
Looking ahead for a moment, United return to action on Friday against Sevilla for Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial, although it is expected to be a much-changed side. Then it really gets serious as United face Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield before opening their league campaign one week later away to Swansea City.
Right, the United team news has just reached us and it’s a strong starting XI for the Premier League champions. Nemanja Vidic returns to the centre of the defence, while Jonny Evans is also given a start. Nani also returns from injury to occupy one of the wide positions. David de Gea did not travel with the squad, therefore Anders Lindegaard is given another chance in goal. Full team to follow.
TEAMS:
AIK FOTBOLL: Stamatoupols; Backman, Milosevic, Johansson, Ofori; Bahoui, Quaison, Moro, Igboananike; Borges, Kayongo-Mutumba
MANCHESTER UNITED: Lindegaard; Rafael, Evans, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Zaha; Giggs; Van Persie
Right, the home team news has just reached us and there are starts for Celso Borges and Martin Kayongo-Mutumba in attack. It would certainly be fair to state that United’s opponents this evening will provide their toughest test of pre-season thus far. AIK, who were formed in 1891 in central Stockholm, were league champions in Sweden in 2009. The club, who are third in the all-time Allsvenskan table, also hold the record for the most seasons in the top flight in their domestic table.
They finished fourth in their domestic table last season, but they have won the league title 11 times. As mentioned, they are in the middle of their league campaign at the moment and currently sit third in the table, level on points with second-placed Malmo and two behind leaders Helsingborg, who also have a vastly superior goal difference.
They could not be entering the match in much better form, meanwhile, with 10 wins from their last 14 games in all competitions, losing just once in that period, with that defeat coming back in May against Kalmar. One thing is for certain, they are a team that are used to winning football matches and will believe that they can continue that record this evening.
Just how much AIK put into this match will be interesting, meanwhile, with a trip to Malmo to come at the weekend. However, this is Manchester United. Another win over the Premier League champions would surely do wonders for their confidence ahead of the rest of the season. In terms of fitness, they should also be ahead of the Premier League side.
In terms of the first-team players that are not here for United, Javier Hernandez has not made the trip as he continues training at Carrington. Antonio Valencia has also not travelled due to previous international commitments, but it is a surprise that the likes of Lingard and Januzaj have not travelled, although that could mean that we will see them involved in Ferdinand’s testimonial on Friday.
It would be fair to say that it has been a turbulent summer for Moyes thus far, but a positive result this evening, in addition to a win over Wigan Athletic at the weekend would make the Scot feel a lot better about things. However, it is difficult to shy away from United’s inactivity in the transfer market thus far, something which is becoming a concern for supporters.
Cesc Fabregas remains the dream signing, but thus far Barcelona – much like United have with Rooney – have insisted that the Spaniard is not for sale. It does not take a genius to realise that United need a midfielder this summer, but Moyes really is running out of options. I suspect that things could become clearer over the next week or two.
Right, we are just about 10 minutes from kickoff in Sweden and unsurprisingly, we have a full house inside the stadium. It doesn't matter where Manchester United travel, they will always sell out the stadium. However, United supporters that think this will be a straightforward victory will be sadly mistaken. This is a real test for the Premier League champions this evening.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. For the home side, there are starts for Kayongo-Mutumba and Celso Borges in attack, while experienced defender Alexander Milosevic will operate at the heart of the defence. United, meanwhile, have Robin Van Persie leading their line, but Danny Welbeck has been named on the bench.
Here we go then. Both sets of players are just about to emerge from the tunnel. What a boost it is for United to have Vidic leading the Premier League side out this evening. Following the pre-match handshakes and exchanging of flags, we will be ready to get the action underway. Just under five minutes until kickoff in Sweden.
Here's a word from United boss David Moyes on MUTV: "We are looking forward to it. Hopefully we will be ready for the start of the season. It was a long tour, but overall I have no complaints. We have enjoyed it, but are glad to be back in Europe. We are looking for competitive games and we have to make sure we use the players correctly."
Just about time for my pre-match prediction. AIK will provide a tough test for United this evening, but I expect the Premier League champions to secure a narrow win. Just a reminder that following this match United travel back to Manchester before facing Sevilla in Rio Ferdinand's testimonial on Friday. Right, United get the action underway in Sweden.
Confident start from United with the Premier League side enjoying possession in the opposing half. The pitch looks in good condition this evening, which should suit both teams. A loose pass from Anderson hands possession to Moro in midfield, but his pass towards Igboananike is just too long for the forward. Strong atmosphere inside the stadium with two minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for United as Rafael attempts to find Van Persie with a searching pass, but it just runs away from the Dutchman at the vital moment. United regain possession moments later with Nani, who finds Evra in the box, the left-back slides a low cross into the penalty area, but Backman is on hand to clear the danger.
Again it's bright work from United as Giggs crafts his way to the edge of the box before attempting to find Zaha outside the area, but again Backman is across to quell the danger. AIK threaten on the counter with Moro, but his pass is just too long for Bahoui. End-to-end stuff with six minutes on the clock, but the score remains goalless in Sweden.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for United as Nani finds Zaha in the penalty area, but the winger fires wide of the target when he might have done better. Plenty of movement in the final third with Nani and Zaha both causing problems. David Moyes will certainly be pleased with what he has seen from his side thus far.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Bahoui collects possession in a wide area before thumping a low effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. That certainly raised the volume in the stadium. Bahoui has another opportunity moments later, this time inside the box, but Rafael just does enough to prevent a strike on goal. Very lively opening to this pre-season encounter.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but there are plenty of suggestions that we will have goals this evening as both sides continue to commit players to each attack. AIK have plenty of talent on display with the likes of Kayongo-Mutumba and Bahoui causing problems to the away side. Nothing pre-season about the opening 12 minutes of this tie in Sweden.
Another half-chance for United as Zaha beats the full-back before delivering a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Van Persie, who had made a run beyond the two centre-backs. Nani collects on the opposite side before delivering a cross towards Evra, but again the danger is cleared. It does appear that the first goal will soon arrive.
It's really bright work from Nani as the Portuguese moves past Backman as if he isn't there before delivering a cross into the box, but Milosevic is on hand to make the clearance. The resulting corner is met by the head of Evans, but the centre-back can only clip his effort over the crossbar. United could and perhaps should be ahead at this stage of the match.
Half-chance for Kayongo-Mutumba as the winger moves past Rafael before striking an effort from outside the box, but Lindegaard gets down well to make the save. Nani again causes problems down the other end with a low ball towards Anderson, but Milosevic is out to make the challenge. End-to-end football with 18 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for United as Rafael finds Van Persie in the box, the Dutchman cuts inside before curling a low effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always drifting wide of the post. Nani is again a threat down the left for United, but this time his cross is thumped clear by Moro. The only disappointment is that we have not seen a goal in what has been a high-tempo pre-season encounter thus far.
Again it's bright work from Nani as the Portuguese finds Anderson, who in turn slips a low pass towards Van Persie, but Backman is across to make the challenge. Van Persie has another half-chance inside the box moments later, but Stamatoupois gets down well to make the save. How on earth is this match still goalless?!
United once more threaten on the break as Anderson finds Zaha down the left, the winger cuts inside before finding Van Persie, but the Dutchman is eventually crowded out in the penalty area. Rafael slides a low pass towards Zaha moments later, but Backman is across to clear. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining in Sweden.
Rafael is again a threat down the right as he delivers a low cross towards Van Persie, but Milosevic comes across to clear the danger. The home side attempt to break with Bahoui down the left, the number 11 finds Igboananike in the box, but Lindegaard is across to make a really fine save. Could and perhaps should have been the opening goal of the evening.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for United as Evra drives down the left before finding Van Persie with a low cross, but the Dutchman's effort is saved by Stamatoupois, who has had a busy opening 29 minutes to this match. Nani once more threatens down the right, but eventually the danger is cleared by Ofori.
Half-chance for the home side from a Ofori free kick, but Vidic is on the cover to clear with a powerful header. Meanwhile, bad news for United as Nani is forced to leave the action with a suspected groin injury. It appears that Henriquez will join the action - what an opportunity it will be for the young striker.
The change is indeed made as Henriquez enters the field in place of the injured Nani. That is a big blow for the Portuguese, who has been the star player thus far. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but the home side have just started to enjoy more of the possession. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Sweden.
Henriquez is being asked to operate in a wide left position at the moment, which is certainly not where he would want to play. The youngster does combine with Evra before driving a low cross into the box, but the danger is cleared. Igboananike has a half-chance down the other end moments later, but Lindegaard is across to make another smart save.
The noise inside the stadium has just erupted in the last couple of moments with AIK starting to dominate possession of the ball in the United half. It is almost as if the change for United has taken away some of their potency in the final third. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining, but still the two sides remain level at 0-0.
It's bright movement from Van Persie as the Dutchman collects a pass from Giggs before attempting to find the run of Zaha, but Milosevic is across to quell the danger. The resulting corner is taken by Giggs, but it drifts over the head of everyone and out of play. Henriquez threatens moments later, but the Chilean striker is ruled offside.
Half-chance for the home side down the other end as Kayongo-Mutumba drives past Carrick before thumping an effort towards the top corner, but it just moved high and wide of the crossbar. Henriquez threatens down the left moments later with a low cross into the box, but again Van Persie is well-marshalled by the defence. Little over two minutes of football remaining in the first period.
Not too much to report in the last few moments of the first half with both sides guilty of sloppy passing in the final third. It has certainly been a high-tempo opening half of football, but neither side has been able to find the back of the net thus far. I shouldn't think we will have too much in the way of injury time.
HALF-TIME: AIK 0-0 United
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. The score does not tell the whole story, however, with both sides having opportunities to open the scoring. There was some bad news for United in the first period, meanwhile, with Nani, who had been the game's star player, forced to exit with a suspected groin injury.
In terms of possible changes, I would expect to see the home side shuffle their pack at the interval with their league campaign to focus on. It is also understood that Ben Amos will enter for United at the interval, but I shall bring you up-to-date when it becomes apparent who has departed and indeed entered the field.
Despite the fact that United have been unable to open their tally in the first period, I suspect that Moyes will be pleased with what he has seen thus far. Nani, before he exited, had been a constant threat down the left, while Anderson has also enjoyed a productive game thus far. Let's hope that we will see the tally opened in the second period in Sweden.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match United travel back to Manchester before welcoming Sevilla for Rio Ferdinand's testimonial on Friday. It does appear that there has been a couple of changes at the interval. AIK kick us off in the second half.
There has been a change in goal for the home side with Patrik Carigren replacing Stamatoupois between the sticks. Igboananike and Borges have also been replaced at the interval, but as yet it is unclear who has entered. Just the one change for United, meanwhile, with Ben Amos replacing Lindegaard. A reminder that Nani was also replaced in the first period by the young striker Henriquez.
GOAL! AIK 1-0 United (Quaison)
Wow, just wow. United find themselves behind as Quaison collects possession outside the box before thumping a powerful effort into the top corner. That is some finish from the midfielder. Moments later Zaha comes close to levelling, but his effort from close range just moves wide of the post. Some start to this second period.
Another half-chance for the home side as Robert Persson - another change - bursts into the box, but Vidic just steps across to clear at the vital moment. Meanwhile, it appears that United will be forced into a third change with Evans struggling. Chris Smalling is preparing to enter the field with 52 minutes on the clock.
Well, Smalling is ready to enter the field, but thus far Evans has remained on the pitch despite his struggles. A half-chance arrives for the Premier League outfit as Henriquez drives down the left before attempting to find Van Persie in the box, but the danger is cleared by Persson. Scrap that, the change is made as Smalling replaces Evans. Another injury for United.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for United to level the scores as Vidic meets a corner from Giggs, but his header bounces into the ground before clipping off the top of the crossbar. The home side break down the other end with Quaison, but Smalling is across to clear the danger. United are in a real fight here there is no question about that.
Another half-chance for the home side as Ofori thumps a powerful effort from outside the box, but it just moves wide of the post, inches away from the Swedish outfit's second of the evening. Giggs attempts to force the issue down the other end with a low pass towards Zaha, but Karlsson is across to clear the danger. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Sweden.
Couple more changes for the home side with Sam Lundholm and Christian Kouakou replacing Bahoui and Quaison. Better from United in the last couple of moments as Henriquez and Giggs both come close with efforts from close range, but the home side's goalkeeper quells the danger on each occasion. The pressure is rising, but still the Swedish outfit lead the Premier League champions.
Again it's bright work from the away side as Rafael finds Zaha, who in turn delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Van Persie, who had lost his marker in the box. A break follows for AIK, but Lundholm just cannot evade the challenge of Smalling, who had come across on the cover. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining in this pre-season encounter.
It must be said that there has been a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium from the very first moment this evening. The increase in noise almost brings a leveller for United as Van Persie collects possession in the box before sliding a pass towards Zaha, but Karlsson is across to make the challenge. United want a penalty moments later, but the referee is not interested in Carlgren's challenge on Henriquez.
Replays have shown that the goalkeeper did indeed get a slight touch on the ball before bringing Henriquez to the ground. The tempo has just been raised in the last couple of moments with Henriquez again coming close after good work from Rafael, but it is just not falling for the Chilean at the moment. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Sweden.
GOAL! AIK 1-1 United (Henriquez)
United level in Sweden! It's brilliant work from Zaha as the young winger collects possession inside the box before drilling a low cross towards Henriquez, who cannot miss from close range. Oh how United needed that. In truth, it had been coming. Game on with 20 minutes remaining of this pre-season tie.
Another half-chance for Henriquez as the striker collects a pass from Van Persie before attempting a back-heel from close range, but he cannot make proper contact. It is all one-way traffic at the moment with United dominating possession in the final third. I would be surprised if we did not see more goals in the latter stages.
Half-chance for Vidic as the Serbian meets a corner from Giggs, but his powerful header moves high and wide of the crossbar. Rare chance for the home side in the last 15 minutes or so as Lundholm drives past two challenges before curling an effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Little over 15 minutes of action remaining.
Another change for the home side as Moro is replaced by Anton Saletros, who is highly-rated in Sweden. United continue to dominate possession in midfield with Carrick and Anderson, but they just cannot find that elusive pass in the final third. Giggs delivers a dangerous cross moments later, but Henriquez cannot beat Persson to the high ball.
Another change for the home side as Ofori is replaced by Edward Owusu - another player that has been tipped for a big future. United continue to force the issue with two corners in quick succession, the second of which is met by Van Persie, but his header is just wide of the post. United really should be ahead with little over 10 minutes of action remaining.
Couple of changes for United as Bebe and Danny Welbeck enter the field in place of Giggs and Zaha. Will this be the only time that Bebe appears for United in the next 12 months? It would be a surprise if he were part of Moyes's plans in the new season. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the last few minutes with United still in control of the possession.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. Just a reminder that United have one change remaining - Phil Jones - if they should wish. You just get the feeling that there will be another goal in the latter stages of this one. A scramble in the home side's box almost brings a goal, but Persson manages to clear the danger.
In fairness to Bebe he has looked quite dangerous since entering the field with a couple of his crosses causing problems in the box. Henriquez continues to cause problems with his movement in the box, but a cross from Welbeck just would not fall for the teenager. Little over five minutes of football remaining in Sweden.
Another change for the home side as Noah Sundberg replaces Backman for the final four minutes of normal time. Half-chance for Welbeck as the United striker collects a pass from Anderson before driving into the box, but Carlgren is out to make the save. Great pace from Welbeck, but poor touch. Where have I heard that before?!
Again Bebe is involved for United as Van Persie attempts to find the winger down the left, but he had just moved into an offside position. AIK threaten down the other end with Karlsson, but Vidic is across to make the challenge. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining in Sweden.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Van Persie to win it for United as Bebe drives down the left before finding the Dutchman in the box, but his header is straight at the goalkeeper. AIK break down the other end with Owusu, but once more Vidic clears. I shouldn't think that there will be too much added time at the end of the match.
The referee indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the match and we are indeed into the second of those. Both sides are throwing bodies forward, but it does appear that they will have to settle for a share the spoils.
FULL-TIME: AIK 1-1 United
So there we have it. United are forced to settle for a draw against a solid AIK team. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around the site for all the League Cup results this evening. Good evening!