Manchester United return to England to prepare for West Ham after Super Cup defeat by Real Madrid
- Manchester United were beaten 2-1 by Real Madrid in the Super Cup
- Madrid scored through Casemiro and Isco but Gareth Bale could have had two
- Romelu Lukaku netted his first United goal and Nemanja Matic impressed
Manchester United landed back in England in the early hours of Wednesday following their 2-1 Super Cup defeat by Real Madrid in Macedonia.
There were some bleary eyes among the playing staff as they were seen at Manchester Airport shortly before 4am, with the mood no doubt dampened by not having a piece of silverware with them.
Madrid outclassed United in Skopje, with goals coming from Casemiro and Isco before Romelu Lukaku pulled one back from close range to bag his first strike in United colours in a competitive game.
Paul Pogba leads the Manchester United side as they return from Macedonia early Wednesday
Jose Mourinho will now turn his attention to facing West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday
United still had fans waiting to greet them on their return, despite landing at nearly 4am
Marcus Rashford and Sergio Romero were among the subdued figures upon United's return
But it could easily have been more for Zinedine Zidane's side. Casemiro hit the bar with a header in the first half, while Gareth Bale could have scored twice.
He prodded a high cross over from close range, also in the first half, before assisting Isco's superb finish in the second and then hitting the bar himself with a powerful right-footed strike from a narrowing angle.
There were some positives for United to take, however, and not just for making the scoreline close.
Nemanja Matic, a £40m arrival from Chelsea, produced an encouraging display in the holding midfield role on his first competitive appearance for United.
Lukaku will also be pleased to have netted, even if his overall display was not his bullying, formidable best as seen at Everton.
Romelu Lukaku scored his first competitve United goal but otherwise struggled against Madrid
Anthony Martial was an unused substitute during the United defeat in Macedonia
Nemanja Matic look assured for United but fellow new arrival Victor Lindelof had a hard game
Madrid had plenty of chances to win with a more emphatic scoreline than 2-1 against United
Victor Lindelof, however, United's first signing of the summer, struggled to impose himself on the game - continuing the manner of his displays in pre-season although a front three of Benzema, Bale and Isco would cause any defender problems.
Marouane Fellaini was introduced by Mourinho in the 56th minute for Ander Herrera and United improved with him on the field.
But the Belgian would be forgiven for considering his appearance more of an endurance test than anything else.
He was down for a lengthy period after clashing heads with Madrid defender Sergio Ramos and needed a bandage applied before he could return.
Marouane Fellaini kept his head down upon his return to England with United
Fellaini shared this snap on Twitter, saying 'Thank you to everyone who posted & sent me this
Fellaini had his head bandaged in the match after a collision with Sergio Ramos
Fellaini was also pictured at an unflattering moment receiving a ball to the face, but the 29-year-old saw the funny side.
'Thank you to everyone who posted & sent me this,' he tweeted alongside the picture after the match, alongside several emojis of the crying with laughter face.
United are next in action on Sunday, when they begin their Premier League campaign at home to West Ham.
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