• Friendlies round-up

Kagawa & Bebe impress as United beat Shanghai

ESPN staff
July 25, 2012
Shinji Kagawa netted his first goal in Manchester United colours again Shanghai Shenhua © PA Photos
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Shinji Kagawa opened his account for Manchester United as they beat Shanghai Shenhua 1-0 to lift the Chevrolet China Cup.

Shanghai went into the prestigious pre-season game without star names Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba, and they were outplayed for long spells. United squandered a number of decent chances before recent signing Kagawa grabbed his first for the club half-way through the second half.

United were a cut above for the most part and their attacking threat improved when they brought on Bebe at the break. Having scored against Ajax Cape Town at the weekend, Bebe hugged the left flank and had great success against the Shanghai right back.

Bebe on two occasions drew decent saves from the keeper before turning provider for Kagawa to net. After streaking past his man, Bebe showed great awareness to pick out Kagawa who fired home with the aid of a deflection.

The introduction of Paul Scholes delighted the crowd and he should have provided them with a goal to cheer, but headed over from six yards.

Bebe was derided for his displays last season, following his move from Vitoria de Guimaraes, and was farmed out on loan to Besiktas, but on the evidence of his pre-season efforts he looks a different player and he almost capped a fine 45-minute cameo with an audacious drive from some 40 yards that forced a fine diving save from the keeper.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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