Neymar on target as Barcelona sink Manchester United

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:43 am

LANDOVER, Md. -- For the second time this week, Neymar was Barcelona's match winner as they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the International Champions Cup on Wednesday.

The Brazilian has been the constant focus of Barca's tour of the United States off the pitch as he considers an offer to move to Paris Saint-Germain. So far, he has chosen not to speak publicly about the matter, but he's done plenty of talking on the pitch in the meantime.

Juventus couldn't deal with him at the weekend, with his two goals sealing Barca's 2-1 win, and at the FedEx Field, in front of 80,162 supporters, it was United who failed to keep him quiet.

Antonio Valencia couldn't deal with Lionel Messi's chipped pass and Neymar nipped in, spun 180 degrees and fired past David De Gea from close range.

That was the only goal of the game but there was no shortage of chances, especially in a brilliantly entertaining opening period.

The first opportunity fell United's way when Romelu Lukaku turned Marcus Rashford's pinpoint cross over the bar. But despite the Premier League side being the fitter, given they're much further into their preseason than Barca, it was the La Liga team that had the extra quality.

Neymar drew the first of six first half saves from De Gea in the fourth minute, with Messi testing the Spaniard again two minutes later. Less than 60 seconds later it was Luis Suarez's turn, the Uruguayan's drive turned wide by De Gea.

Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images

Messi then hit the post from the edge of the area before United, at last, got a foothold in the game. Their best moments came from Paul Pogba and Rashford and Jasper Cillessen made saves to deny them both -- the first from a stunning long-range effort from Pogba.

Overall, though, United couldn't deal with the movement of Barca's front three. Messi hit the wall with a free kick and Suarez then shot tamely at De Gea before Neymar finally opened the scoring.

De Gea was again at his best to deny Suarez from six yards moments later; United were then able to breathe a sigh of relief, as Messi, Neymar and Suarez were removed at the break as Ernesto Valverde made 10 changes.

Those changes -- United made five as well -- led to a disjoined start to the second half, a more low key, preseason feel setting in amid the Maryland heat.

The game did eventually open up again towards the end. Anthony Martial shot over before Paco Alcacer should have scored for Barca, denied by Sergio Romero when one-on-one with the Argentine goalkeeper.

Cillessen was called into action again at the other end, making a couple of routine saves before keeping out a dangerous effort from Pogba as Barca held out for their second successive win in preseason, Neymar again writing the headlines.