Manchester United's tour to America has been up and running for the past week and with Romelu Lukaku joining up with his teammates and scoring his first goal it's grabbing all the headlines but last night Antonio Valencia stole some of the limelight for getting sent off.
Tours to America are common place amongst English and major European football teams these days as they try to play off their popularity around the globe in order to make a quick buck or two.
That means back at home we're left to wake up to the news of 'first goals' from players who are yet to make their official debuts. Last night Manchester United played the second game of their tour and Romelu Lukaku got on the score sheet against Real Salt Lake
Lukaku celebrates scoring in a Manchester United shirt for the first time. Image: PA
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The 'real' tests are ahead though as they take on Manchester City later this week however things still managed to get heated in the early hours against the MLS team as Antonio Valencia was sent off for a challenge from behind on Sebastian Saucedo.
Credit: MUTV
The challenge didn't look too bad, certainly not enough for a red card when a yellow would normally suffice, however the Salt Lake player had to leave the match on crutches after the incident.
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What's more is Jose Mourinho actually confirmed after the match that the ref had given him the option to sub off his right back rather than receive a red card but the manager told the official to send the Ecuadorean for an early bath:
"The referee asked me to change the player and I didn't because I don't agree with the card because Saucedo, I think is the name of the boy was really aggressive in second half. That's what happens. Some other actions were a bit dangerous.
"It's young people with enthusiasm playing against Manchester United but it's a friendly match and it's a different mentality. But it's preseason so no problem.
"It is good experience for us to play with one player less."
Mourinho couldn't believe the ref thought about sending his player off. Image: PA
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The aggression that Mourinho referred to saw Saucedo injure Juan Mata, meaning the Spaniard won't play against City in the very early hours of Friday morning.
An eye for an eye might not be the right policy but it's clearly why Jose wasn't too fussed.
Should Valencia have been sent off?
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Manchester United, Jose Mourniho