Manchester United pre-season friendly against Rangers delayed by 15 minutes as unusual reason comes to light

Manchester United faced Scottish outfit Rangers in their second pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 20, as they continue preparations for the 2024-25 season. The start of the match was delayed by 15 minutes due to long queues outside the Murrayfield Stadium for fans' entry.

Fans crammed into the Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, as the Red Devils were to take on Rangers, particularly to witness the debut of teenage centre-back Leny Yoro. The youngster was named in the starting XI, which was due to commence at 4pm BST, but kicked off 15 minutes later.

According to Manchester Evening News, the start of the match was delayed as fans were unable to gain entry into the stadium on time. Numerous empty seats could be seen in the stadium at 4pm, because of which, the kickoff was adjusted by 15 minutes to allow for more fans to enter the stadium.

A comparable situation was seen in the Copa America final in the USA earlier this month. In that game, kickoff was delayed by more than two hours due to trouble with allowing fans into the stadium in Miami.

Manchester United did not allow the pre-match situation to deter them in Edinburgh as they overcame Rangers by two unreplied goals. Erik ten Hag's side were comfortably better over the course of 90 minutes, and were boosted by the return of several senior players.

Manchester United beat Rangers in second pre-season friendly

Manchester United overcame Scottish giants Rangers to record their first win in pre-season as they continue to work towards the 2024-25 season. The Red Devils bounced back from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Rosenberg in their first game of pre-season.

There were a number of notable absentees through injury for Manchester United, with the likes of Antony and Victor Lindelof deemed unfit to feature. Tyrell Malacia also did not feature as he works his way to full fitness.

Erik ten Hag named a strong XI, with players like Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount, Casemiro, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Andre Onana all starting. New signing Leny Yoro also got his first experience as a Red Devil in the game in Scotland, and he partnered Jonny Evans at the back.

Amad Diallo opened the scoring for the Red Devils in the 39th minute before Joe Hugill came off the bench to wrap up the scoring in the 70th minute. The Red Devils will now embark on a tour of the USA to round off their preparations for the 2024-25 season.