A youthful Manchester United team managed to salvage a late draw in Dublin on Sunday afternoon, with Facundo Pellistri delivering a crucial strike in the 93rd minute against a ten-player Athletic Club.
The match saw Athletic take the lead in the first half, courtesy of a mistake from Harry Maguire that led to Nico Williams racing through the middle and finishing expertly. However, Pellistri responded with a well-taken half-volley from Maguire's header, leveling the scoreline.
Manager Erik ten Hag made sweeping changes from the XI that secured a 3-1 victory over Lens at Old Trafford on Saturday. Key players such as Maguire, Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek, and Jadon Sancho were among those given starting roles.
Sancho had an early chance to put United ahead within three minutes, courtesy of a pass from Pellistri, but he failed to convert as Unai Simon made a crucial save. Maguire's momentary lapse nearly cost United in the tenth minute, as his clearance allowed Oihan Sancet to cross the ball, and Inaki Williams's header was well-handled by Tom Heaton.
As the game progressed, Athletic gained momentum against United's young and fringe players. Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta missed a comfortable chance from range. Meanwhile, Pellistri displayed a threat for United, entering the box and going down under Dani Vivian's challenge, but the appeal for a penalty was ignored.
Unfortunately for United, it was Athletic who broke the deadlock in a manner familiar to the Red Devils' fans. Maguire's giveaway led to Sancet slipping in Nico Williams, whose shot hit Heaton and found the far corner.
De Galarreta received a booking for multiple heavy challenges, and Victor Lindelof's header from Eriksen's corner was stopped by Simon as heavy rain poured at the Aviva Stadium.
United's young defender Gore came close with another attempt from Eriksen's set-up, drawing another save from Simon. However, De Galarreta's shooting lacked precision, as another strike flew over the bar. The game turned in United's favor midway through the second half when Aitor Paredes pulled back substitute Hannibal Mejbri, resulting in a red card for the Athletic player.
In the closing moments of the match, United's efforts bore fruit. Aaron Wan-Bissaka's long pass found Maguire, who skillfully headed it down to Pellistri, allowing the Uruguayan to equalize in stoppage time, securing a draw for the Red Devils.
Manchester United player ratings (4-2-3-1)
GK: Tom Heaton - 6/10 - Played sweeper-keeper on occasion ala Onana. Nearly denied Williams' strike
RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 6/10 - Picked out Maguire for the goal late on, but might not have made Ten Hag's choice at right-back any clearer.
CB: Harry Maguire - 4/10 - Again showed his sloppiness in defence and decent application in the attacking third.
CB: Victor Lindelof - 6/10 - Comfortable on the left on defence and strode forward with intent.
LB: Alvaro Fernandez - 6/10 - Couple of inviting passes forward but also nearly gave away a silly penalty.
CM: Daniel Gore - 6/10 - Energetic and enthusiastic, putting himself into plenty of challenges.
CM: Christian Eriksen - 6/10 - Still struggling to muster up the form he displayed at the start of the last season.
RW: Facundo Pellistri - 8/10 - Showed some incisive passing and was United's brightest spark in the second half, eventually equalising.
AM: Donny van de Beek - 3/10 - The first player to be hooked on the afternoon, failing to impact proceedings whatsoever.
LW: Omari Forson - 5/10 - Not too threatening before his withdrawal.
ST: Jadon Sancho - 6/10 - Good chance early on but couldn't convert. Good interplay with his attacking colleagues before coming off.
Substitutes
Hannibal Mejbri (45' for Van de Beek) - 7/10 - Bright run resulted in Parades hauling him down and being sent off.
Jonny Evans (64' for Fernandez) - 5/10
Joe Hugill (64' for Sancho) - 5/10
Noam Emeran (80' for Gore) - N/A
Subs not used: Toby Collyer, , Marc Jurado, Matej Kovar, Tom Wooster.
Manager
Erik ten Hag - 6/10 - Rotated the squad over the weekend to get everyone games and managed to come through the two clashes without a defeat.
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