Manchester United continued their preparations for the 2019-20 campaign with a 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the International Champions Cup on Saturday.
Having started their pre-season with victories over Perth Glory and Leeds United, the Red Devils made it three from three with Mason Greenwood's late goal seeing them overcome Inter in Singapore.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates of the action below.
Hello all and welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of the International Champions Cup fixture between Manchester United and Inter Milan from Singapore. United have beaten Perth Glory and Leeds United in their two pre-season games so far this summer. Inter, meanwhile, started their preparations for the 2019-20 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Lugano last weekend. Stay tuned for live updates!
TEAMS!
UNITED: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Lindelof, Shaw; Matic, Pogba; James, Lingard, Martial; Rashford
INTER: Handanovic; D'Ambrosio, De Vrij, Skriniar; Candreva, Gagliardini, Brozovic, Sensi, Dalbert; Esposito, Longo
Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made six changes to the team that started against Leeds United last time out, with David de Gea, Axel Tuanzebe, Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial all coming in. It will be De Gea's first appearance this summer, but there is once again no place for Romelu Lukaku – strongly linked with Inter this summer.
As for Inter, head coach Antonio Conte has made just the one change to the team that started their first summer friendly against Lugano last weekend, with Ivan Perisic dropping out for Dalbert Henrique. Samuele Longo and 17-year-old Sebastiano Esposito will once again start as the front two with Mauro Icardi left out of the travelling squad. It will once again be a 3-5-2 formation.
The last time that these two sides locked horns in a pre-season clash was back in 2014, with United winning 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in the United States. Kickoff will be slightly late as the two sets of players have not actually entered the field yet. No rush then!
Somewhat surprisingly, these two teams have only locked horns on four occasions in competitive fixtures. Both came over two-legged knockout Champions League ties and United eliminated Inter on both occasions.
Indeed, the Red Devils knocked Inter out of the European Cup en route to winning the trophy in 1999, before goals from Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo saw the English giants progress from their last-16 tie in 2009. Will the English giants pick up another victory in this game?
Here we go then - both sets of players are now on the field. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags will soon be exchanged. Kickoff is now just a few moments away!
KICKOFF: Inter kick things off in Singapore...
... it must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. Inter are well represented inside the ground, but the majority are supporting the team in red. It is very, very hot, which could play a big role when it comes to the pace of this game. Here's to a good match.
It has been a bright start from United with Rashford and Lingard already having the chance to run at the Inter defence. The fans are raising the roof with Solskjaer's side on the front foot.
Rashford looks to pick out the far post with a cross from an advanced area, but the ball goes behind for a goal kick. Not too much from Inter going forward in the first six minutes here.
It is clear that Solskjaer has been working on a fluid front three in the two matches this summer, with Daniel James and Mason Greenwood impressing alongside Rashford. Greenwood is on the bench tonight, but James is once again in the XI, which will hugely boost his confidence.
Wan-Bissaka has already won a couple of battles down the right - it is incredibly difficult to beat the defender in a one-on-one, as he showed at Crystal Palace last season. We are still waiting for the first chance of this game despite United making the majority of the early running here.
Wan-Bissaka continues to press high up the field and is winning the ball back for his side in impressive fashion. Front-foot football from Solskjaer's side with 12 minutes on the clock.
Bit of possession for Inter in the last couple of minutes, but they give it away in midfield and United can break forward through Rashford, who eventually runs into too much traffic.
CLOSE! So close to the breakthrough as Shaw finds space outside the Inter box before striking towards the bottom corner, but the ball just moves wide of the post - so close to the opening goal. Pogba had also been involved in the move and the France international has been bright early on.
United continue to play front-foot football as they win the ball high up the field before putting the pressure on. Inter, though, have been nice and tight defensively in the first 18 minutes here.
Inter will also face Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham and Valencia during a tough pre-season and it remains to be seen whether Conte can get a striker through the door. Lukaku is wanted - Conte has confirmed as much - but United are holding firm on their £75m valuation.
Inter's first serious attack of the match ends with Candreva having his cross cleared for a corner kick - Sensi delivers into a dangerous area, but United eventually manage to clear their lines.
Much better from Inter in the last few minutes, with the Italian side forcing a free kick in a dangerous area with Tuanzebe bringing Esposito to the ground. What will transpire here...
... it is a good delivery from Sensi, but Tuanzebe climbs highest to head clear.
It has been a good workout for both teams in the first 25 minutes. United have had more of the ball, but Inter are certainly coming into the game now. Just the one serious attempt, though, with Shaw just missing Handanovic's post with a powerful strike from outside the box.
SAVE! Decent stop from Handanovic to keep out a strike from Martial.
Solskjaer changed his entire team at the interval of the Leeds clash last time out and it remains to be seen whether that will again be the case here. It seems more likely that it will be six or seven alterations at this stage of pre-season, but the head coach could well send a new XI out.
YELLOW CARD! United have a free kick in a very dangerous position as Brozovic (Inter) brings Lingard to the ground and the midfielder actually picks up a yellow card for his troubles...
SAVE! ... Rashford sends his effort straight into the wall. The attacker does have another chance moments later, but his volley is easily gathered by Handanovic between the sticks.
Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining and we are still all square. Not too much from Inter going forward, but the Italians have certainly improved after a slow start here.
Time for a water break, which is not too much of a surprise when considering the temperature inside the stadium. This is a proper fitness exercise for both teams, there is no question about that.
Play continues in Singapore and United are back on the front foot with James driving at Candreva before being forced out wide and eventually Inter manage to deal with another attack.
CLOSE! Lingard breaks into a dangerous position before feeding James out wide, but there are no takers on the attacker's low cross. James has a chance of his own just moments later, but fires wide of the near post under pressure. Good work from the Wales international despite the finish.
Again it is smart defending from Wan-Bissaka, who clears ahead of Dalbert. Eventually Brozovic mangoes to deliver a dangerous cross towards Dalbert, but the number 29 cannot convert.
Good interplay between Rashford and Lingard once again, but De Vrij just about manages to poke the ball clear under pressure. Still goalless as we approach the end of the first half here.
SAVE! Another chance for Inter as a dangerous corner is met by De Vrij, but Lindelof manages to sweep clear. Martial then breaks down the other end and sees his low attempt saved by Handanovic.
Very lively period of the match here as Inter continue to give the ball away in defensive areas. James has the chance to race clear, but De Vrij just manages to poke the ball away for a throw.
Dalbert finds himself free at the far post and strikes towards the United goal, but it hits teammate Longo who was in an offside position. Not long left in the opening 45 minutes here.
We are into the first of three additional minutes at the end of the first period - no goals to report, but it has been a very watchable opening 45 minutes. Will a breakthrough arrive before the whistle?
Not an awful lot to report in the additional time at the end of the first period. Now it will be very interesting to see how many changes - if any - both managers make at the interval.
United have one last opportunity to deliver a set piece as Dalbert brings James to the ground, but Brozovic is on hand to make the clearance before the referee's whistle is blown.
HALF TIME: MAN UNITED 0-0 INTER MILAN
So there we have it - the referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. United have been the better side in terms of overall work, but it is difficult to say that either has done enough to deserve to be leading at the break. Let's hope for some goals in the second period.
STATISTICS! United had 58% possession in the first period, while they hit the target with three of their 10 attempts - forcing Inter goalkeeper Handanovic into a couple of decent saves.
Inter, meanwhile, have only had two attempts and both were off target. Conte's side improved as the half developed, but their need for a new centre-forward has been clearly on display here.
BENCH WATCH! Inter have the likes of Valero, Mario, Perisic and Vergani on their bench here, in addition to summer arrival Barella, who will be hoping to see some action in the second period.
United, meanwhile, are expected to use the likes of Greenwood, Mata, McTominay and Smalling in the second half. There could also be some action for Fred, who has joined up with the squad.
The last time that these two sides locked horns in a pre-season clash was back in 2014, with United winning 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in the United States.
There will be no extra-time in this game and therefore another penalty shootout will arrive if it remains 0-0 in Singapore. The second period is now just around the corner here!
KICKOFF: United resume the action here...
... INTER SUB! Inter have made one change at the interval with Ivan Perisic taking the place of Longo. United look to be the same, but I will confirm that shortly!
It is the same United XI, which is a nice surprise when considering the amount of changes that have happened at the interval of both of their tour games this summer. That said, a raft of alterations will surely occur at some point. Right, game on once again in Singapore.
United do their best to work some space down the left in a move involving Shaw, Matic and Rashford, but Inter close the space and manage to clear down the field. Still goalless here.
OFF THE LINE! Brilliant defending from D'Ambrosio as the Inter centre-back manages to clear an attempt from Lingard off the line after an excellent piece of work from Martial. So close!
OFF THE POST! Another big moment for United as Matic meets a corner from the left, but his header comes off the post! Inter are coming under serious pressure at the moment here.
SAVE! Smart save from Handanovic to keep out a strike from Pogba - Rashford gathers the rebound, but the offside flag is raised. Inter are struggling to get out of their own half at the moment.
Inter just manage to calm things down with a period of pressure and Tuanzebe has to make a smart clearance in front of his own goal to deal with a low cross from Candreva.
Again it is wonderful defending from Wan-Bissaka as the right-back shows his pace to challenge Dalbert, who looked favourite to break clear and potentially deliver a dangerous cross.
MAN UNITED SUB! Lindelof limps off the field to be replaced by Jones. It does not look too serious for Lindelof, but no chances are being taken with the Sweden international.
Dalbert breaks into a dangerous position once again before looking to deliver a low cross towards Perisic, but the Croatian cannot make contact. Still goalless in Singapore with 59 minutes played.
United have a free kick in a dangerous position as Skriniar fouls Wan-Bissaka...
... Pogba strikes straight into the wall. Bit of a waste from there.
United are preparing to make at least four changes with Dalot, Greenwood and Chong there. More are joining the touchline, though, and it could end up being eight or nine, which is fun!
MAN UNITED SUBS! Wholesale changes for United. I shall confirm the new XI in the next minute or two, but Fred will be given his first pre-season minutes here.
NEW MAN UNITED XI: Romero; Dalot, Bailly, Jones, Young; McTominay, Fred, Pereira; Mata, Greenwood, Chong
United have a shout for a penalty as Pereira goes down inside the box under a challenge from Skriniar, but the referee is not interested. Bright work from Greenwood brought about the incident.
United look very fresh at the moment, particularly down the right through Greenwood, who has been so impressive on tour. No movement on the Inter touchline at the moment, but Conte will surely be considering changes. Just a reminder that this will go to penalties if it stays 0-0.
CLOSE! United threaten once again as a corner comes into Jones - who scored against Leeds - but the defender sees his effort blocked. More intense pressure from the English side here.
SAVE! Chong goes down inside the Inter box under a late challenge, but the referee is not interested. Handanovic then has to keep out a curling strike from Young moments later.
YELLOW CARD! Candreva (Inter) is booked for a poor challenge on Chong.
CLOSE! Chong just misses the post with a low strike during a period of intense pressure from United, who will feel that they should be ahead entering the final 15 minutes of action here.
INTER SUBS! Candreva, De Vrij, Gagliardini, Sensi and Dalbert leave the field with Mario amongst those entering the field. I shall confirm who has entered as they all just piled on.
Chong continues to be chopped down with United's number 44 causing all sorts of problems in the final third of the field. Little over 15 minutes of normal time remaining here.
GOAL! MAN UNITED 1-0 INTER MILAN (GREENWOOD)
GOAL! What a finish! United make the breakthrough in the 76th minute as Greenwood works some space inside the Inter box before firing an excellent effort into the bottom corner! Handanovic saved from Young, but could not prevent the 17-year-old from opening the scoring here.
Play resumes here following a short water break. Can Inter respond late on?
Inter are struggling to get out of their own half here as United look for a second goal. The changes have really freshened up the Red Devils, who are so full of energy.
OFF THE BAR! Oh my word! Wonderful work from Chong to deliver a cross onto the boot of Greenwood, whose effort hits the top of the crossbar. It was almost a brilliant goal from the Academy stars!
Inter are just not in the match at the moment as United continue to work the ball into wide areas before delivering. It does appear that the Red Devils will soon find a second goal.
CHANCE! Big chance for a second goal as Mata meets a cross from Young, but the Spaniard puts his effort wide of the post. Little over five minutes of the second period remaining here.
INTER SUBS! Inter make three changes with Valero amongst those entering. Again, I will attempt to confirm the changes when possible as there is just so much happening here.
There are some very tasty challenges coming in at the moment and the United players are not too pleased. Inter have already picked up two yellows, but there could have been many more.
YELLOW CARD! Skriniar (Inter) is booked for a really poor tackle on the lively Chong.
Pereira goes for goal from a free kick in a dangerous position, but his effort hits the wall. It would be no exaggeration to say that the Red Devils have utterly dominated the last 20 minutes or so, with Inter struggling to get out of their own half. Not too much time remaining here.
As promised, a list of the Inter changes...
INTER MILAN (3-5-2): Handanovic; D'Ambrosio, De Vrij (Ranocchia 73'), Skriniar; Candreva (Agoume 83'), Gagliardini (Barella 73'), Brozovic (Valero 83'), Sensi (Mario 73'), Dalbert (Pirola 73'); Esposito (Colidio 83'), Longo (Perisic 46')
YELLOW CARD! Pereira (United) is booked for a poor tackle on Skriniar.
We are into the first of four additional minutes at the end of the match.
UNITED SUB! Chong is being replaced by Andre Gomes. The former does not look injured, but he has taken some really heavy challenges since entering the field here.
FULL TIME: MAN UNITED 1-0 INTER MILAN
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close with United running out 1-0 winners over Inter courtesy of a brilliant strike from Greenwood in the latter stages of the match.
Solskjaer's side will now head to Shanghai ahead of a clash with Tottenham on Thursday, while Inter will continue their preparations for the new season against Juventus in Nanjing on Wednesday.
All going well for United at the moment, then. Right, that is just about it from me this afternoon, but I shall leave you with the match report. Hope to see you again very soon!
