Solskjaer Strike Not Enough at Deepdale

20LEGEND
By Chris O'Brien
July 30 2006

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's injury-time strike was not enough for Sir Alex Ferguson's men as they slipped to a 2-1 pre-season defeat at Deepdale. United named a young and inexperienced side and Preston were worthy winners as they prepare for Saturday's Football League kick-off.

A young Manchester United side lost 2-1 to Lancastrian neighbours Preston North End in Monday night's pre-season friendly.

An impressive 12,541 watched on at Deepdale as the home side showed why they are tipped by many to win promotion to the Premiership this season. Preston have lost-out in the play-offs for the past two seasons.

This was the first team's fifth pre-season friendly, though once again Sir Alex Ferguson took the opportunity to blood some of his younger players. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the only household name on show, though England international Kieran Richardson and Liam Miller both started the game.

It was former United midfielder Danny Pugh who broke the deadlock after only three minutes. United's inexperienced line-up struggled to gel and Preston's summer signing did well to beat Luke Steele with a low drive.

The game was all going Preston's way, and they were unlucky not to add more goals to Pugh's opener before the interval. Simon Whaley went agonisingly close, whilst Danny Dichio and David Nugent were a continuous threat to United's backline.

With United on the back foot for most of the opening half, Ferguson introduced Darren Fletcher at the break with youngster Giuseppe Rossi making way for the Scotsman. However, the extra man in midfield made little difference as North End continued to dominate and Whaley should have done better as he fired over from the edge of the box.

Whaley, for his efforts, deserved a goal and it came on 59 minutes as Preston doubled their lead. Pugh found Nugent with a neat through ball and the England Under-21 international created space for his team-mate to slot home. The hosts were good value for their lead and the home crowd were loving it against their 'illustrious' neighbours.

However, the travelling supporters in the Bill Shankly Kop Stand did have something to shout about in the dieing minutes. Substitute Fletcher was brought down in the penalty-box and the referee showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Solskjaer did the business from twelve yards, and then came close to restoring parity in the final minute as he fired a Lee Martin cross onto the woodwork.

Though the result is dissappointing, this was a very young United side who battled well against a good Preston side. United's first-teamers and World Cup stars are expected to return to action for the upcoming Amsterdam Tournament, though rumours suggest Wayne Rooney could get a game as the 'stiffs' travel to near-by Macclesfield on Monday.

Roll on the new season.

Full Time - Preston North End 2-1 Manchester United
Attendance - 12,541

Preston North End: Nash (Lonergan 67); Alexander, St Ledger, Mawene (Chilvers 73), Hill (McCormack 77); Whaley (Sedgwick 67), Jarrett (Neal 77), McKenna, Pugh; Nugent (Agyemang 69), Dichio (Brock 46).
Substitutes Not Used: Wilson.

Manchester United: Steele; Bardsley (Lee K. 64), McShane, Evans J, Simpson; Martin, Gibson (Eagles 64), Miller, Richardson (Jones R.74); Solskjaer, Rossi (Fletcher 46).
Substitutes Not Used: Foster.