Man United 3-1 RC Lens: Quickfire goals cancelled out spectacular lob on Old Trafford return

Quickfire goals from Marcus Rashford, Antony and Casemiro wiped out Florian Sotoca’s perfect halfway line chip as Manchester United cruised to victory in their return to Old Trafford.

United started off the better of the two sides, with Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Mason Mount linking-up on two separate occasions.

First, Fernandes’ drilled cross-field pass found Garnacho, who squared to Mount, though the new man’s miskick failed to find an open goal.

It was the same trio combining again minutes later, but Mount’s attempt was blazed over this time. 

United’s early controlled period of possession was to no avail, with Lens taking the lead in the 22^nd minute.

Diogo Dalot’s lapse in concentration was pounced on by Sotoca, who’s first timed effort from just inside the United half saw new goalkeeper Andre Onana backtracking as the ball hit the back of the net.

The 32-year-old will take that home as a moment to cherish, celebrated by the vocal 500 or so RC Lens fans in the corner of the East stand.

United began to test Brice Samba in the Lens goal soon after, as Antony and Luke Shaw both went close with half volleyed efforts, but the comeback started after the interval.

Antony found Rashford after a bursting run from inside his own half, with Rashford’s shot deflecting past Samba, and it was the Brazilian in the thick of it again, when he coolly slotted past the goalkeeper for 2-1.

United had found their rhythm, and they widened the deficit on the hour mark.

Rashford latched onto a beautifully curled Luke Shaw delivery, with the forward’s header deflecting off Casemiro and into the back of the net.

Lens were well beaten, though their fans seemed to enjoy their afternoon in Manchester.

As for Erik ten Hag and United, they’ll do it all over again as a rotated side will take on Atletic Bilbao at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.