For those who missed it

United new boy, Javier Hernandez opened the scoring before Chris Smalling equalized from a corner. United then conceded two more goals from set pieces, showing some sloppy marking by the young defenders. Nani pulled one back to make it 3-1, but it was too little too late and United failed to salvage a draw.

Chicharito’s movement and finishing will be a positive for Fergie, but he must be concerned with the slack marking. Chris Smalling was very unconvincing. His movement can be described as lumbering and his marking was casual, but he was not the only United player who was below par.

If I had to describe the game, I would say it was a subdued performance. The players looked tired playing so soon after the MLS All Stars game, but the physios would have wanted the lads to get used to playing games only 2 or 3 days apart.

Chivas looked sharper and looked the better side throughout the match. They were obviously up for it and their players Medina, as well as Bautista were a handful for the United rearguard. As I mentioned earlier, the marking on set pieces was absolutely atrocious.

Chivas pressed United well and didn’t allow the reds to settle and get any sort of rhythm and that’s pretty much how the game went to be honest.

Chris Smalling seems to be an aerial threat and he almost scored a second goal from a Nani corner, but he really needs to learn from Vidic and Ferdinand. The performances of Smalling, O’Shea and Brown have highlighted how good Evans is at centre back and how magnificent both Vida and Rio are.

My other concern would still be centre midfield. I would keep Cleverley at United this season. He has real confidence, as well as determination. With Hargreaves struggling fot fitness and Anderson out till September or even longer, Fergie should sign another central midfield player.

Ritchie de Laet also struggled throughout the game and was partially at fault for the second Chivas goal. He misjudged the flight of the ball from the free-kick and failed to clear.

United: Kuszczak; De Laet (Rafael 65), Smalling, O’Shea, Fabio; Gibson (Nani 46), Scholes (Giggs 65), C.Evans (Fletcher 75), Cleverley; Berbatov (Hernandez 46, Welbeck 65), Diouf (Macheda 65). Subs not used: Amos, J.Evans. Booked: Scholes.

Here are all the goals:

Highlights:

Chicharito’s goal:

Smalling’s goal:

Nani’s goal: