Manchester United played their second pre-season match against San Jose Earthquakes of MLS and ran out comfortable 3-1 winners on Tuesday night – or very early Wednesday morning for the folks back home.

Louis van Gaal stated prior to the encounter that he expected a physical challenge from the American side, as well as a well-conditioned team that would be hard to break down tactically. He needn’t have worried as the Red Devils swept the struggling MLS team aside.

MUFC began with the same starting XI as in their previous game with Mexico’s Club America. The group looked a little sharper this time out, with a lot of attacking success found on the flanks. Ashley Young and Luke Shaw in particular were dangerous.

Despite getting goals from Juan Mata and Memphis Depay, the Reds could likely have scored more in this stanza, and were guilty of overplaying more than once.

Defensively, Daley Blind had a shaky start and MUFC gave away a needless goal on albeit terrific combo play from Shea Salinas and Fatai Alashe.

2-1 for the visitors before the ten pre-announced half-time changes in personnel.

The second string seemed to play with a little more confidence this time out, with newcomer Bastian Schweinsteiger giving the group confidence. Meanwhile, the younger attacking group of James Wilson, Adnan Januzal and Andreas Pereira looked dangerous throughout.

Pereira grabbed a goal in the 61st minute with a lovely header to make it 3-1 for Manchester United and close the door on any hopes of a San Jose comeback.

The Reds are back in action on Saturday as they take on European Champs Barcelona in Santa Clara, California.