Donny Van de Beek Reacts To Scoring Man United Only Goal In An Emotional Return Against Lyon.

Manchester United secured a second win of pre-season with a fully-deserved 1-0 triumph over Lyon at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on Wednesday afternoon.

United entered the game looking to build on last week's 2-0 win over Leeds United and give themselves another injection of confidence ahead of flying out to the United States for their pre-season tour.

It was Donny van de Beek who made the difference on his return to the squad, as he nets the only goal of the game, lashing home a brilliant volley just four minutes (49th mins) into the start of the second half. 

The Dutchman had been out of action since January 3 with a knee injury, but connected perfectly with Dan Gore's cross from the right and made no mistake to turn the ball home.

Matej Kovar and Antony were the only changes from the game against Leeds in Oslo, with Tom Heaton and Omari Forson making way.

As expected, manager Erik ten Hag made a full set of changes (ten) at half time, except for Czech Goalkeeper Matej Kovar who played the full duration of the game. 

There was a moment in United's match against Lyon when Matej Kovar played a pass most goalkeepers wouldn't dare to send into midfield. It sent most heart rates around Murrayfield racing but Erik ten Hag stood unflustered.

He looked good with his feet, and that's how ten hag wants his keepers to play which contributed to the reason David de Gea has to leave the club.

Although at 23, Kovar is probably in a position where he needs to play, rather than being a No. 3 goalkeeper at Old Trafford.

New signing Mason Mount made his second start but struggled to make a real impact on the game before he came off at half-time. 

The former Chelsea midfielder showed some nice passing in the early stages and had a chance with a free-kick just outside the box, only to blaze it over the crossbar. 

Jonny Evans also made his return debut for United, producing a solid and assured performance in the second-half after the club surprisingly announced his signing on a short-term contract with the Red Devils.

Lyon, grew stronger as the first-half went on, never really looked like breaking Man United's defence down either side of the break. 

The Ligue 1 side are managed by former United centre-back Laurent Blanc.

The Frenchman, who took over as Lyon head coach last October, spent two years at Old Trafford between 2001 and 2003. He won one trophy during his time at the club, helping United win the 2002/03 Premier League title.

But it took just four minutes of the second-half for United to take the lead when an excellent cross from 18-year-old Daniel Gore was met with an expertly-struck volley by Van de Beek within minutes of coming off the bench.

It was by no means an easy technique and the goal will give Van de Beek a world of confidence going into the rest of pre-season and the attacking midfielder showed how much the goal meant to him.

Van de Beek speaking on his injury told MUTV after the game: "I think it makes you mentally stronger. If this kind of moment happens, you realise how much you love playing football. And when you are back on the pitch you enjoy it more, but of course you have to work really hard.

“I was looking forward months for this game, I know it was a friendly game but for me it was a big moment.

"The focus, hard work and dedication has never stopped. Just a friendly, but man that felt good after a difficult 6 months... Let's keep pushing!"

He also issued an update on his future, admitting that he could leave Old Trafford this summer in pursuit of regular game time.

"Yeah I could stay at United, but it's also a possibility that I move, so everything is open. We're keeping it open, It's hard to say now where my future is — I'm focussing on getting as fit as possible and pushing on."

Giving his tought on Andre Onana joining United, Van De Beek said: "He's a great goalkeeper — he's good with the feet, he's good on the line. My expectations are high for Andre." 

There were some positive performances from youngsters including Kobbie Mainoo, Gore, Isak Hansen-Aaroen and Joe Hugill who all on Wednesday.

Manchester United first half XI: 

Kovar; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Fernandez; Hannibal, Mainoo, Mount; Antony, Amad, Sancho

Second half XI: Kovar; Jurado, Fish, Evans, Williams; Gore, Van de Beek, Fred; Hansen-Aaroen, Forson, Hugill.

Lyon first half XI: 

Lopes; Mata, M. Sarr, Diomande, Laaziri, Lepenant, Tolisso; Jeffinho, El Arouch, A.Sarr; Lacazette

Second half XI : Riou; Kumbedi, Diomande (Camilo 77), Ndiaye, Tagliafico, Alvero, Sanchez, Reine-Adelaide, Mboup, Lega, Kadewere.

Attendance: 48,484.

The Reds have now won both of their opening two friendlies this summer, keeping two clean sheets in the process. They will be looking to build on that in the US.

They will now prepare to jet off to the United States for the start of their pre-season tour. They face Arsenal in their opening game in New Jersey on Saturday evening, before playing Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.   

Furthermore, United have also reportedly agreed a deal to sign ball-playing goalkeeper Andre Onana and club sources are relaxed about when he joins up with the team in pre-season.

The Inter Milan goalkeeper arrived at the club's training ground Carrington earlier this afternoon for  his medical, while United's players focused on seeing off Lyon in Edinburgh.

Onana moves a step closer towards becoming a United player. He is poised to become the club's second signing of the summer and the Reds agreed a fee with Inter yesterday.