Manchester United 3-1 Barcelona: 5 things we learned as Memphis Depay impresses in California

United continued their winning run with victory over Champions League winners Barca, ahead of their own return to Europe's top table next season.

Manchester United saw off Barcelona with a convincing win at the Levi's Stadium

United continued their winning run in the US last night with victory over Champions League winners Barcelona, ahead of their own return to Europe's top table next season.

Skipper Wayne Rooney and substitutes Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj scored the goals that gave Louis van Gaal's side another win in the States, following earlier wins over Club America and San Jose Earthquakes.

Victory over Luis Enrique's Treble winners was the perfect way for United to prepare for their final warm-up game before the new season, against Paris St Germain in Chicago on July 30.

Here are five things we learned.

Give us a wave! Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal arrives for the match

Daley Blind likely to start in central defence

Louis van Gaal has stated his preference for a natural left-footed player on the left side of central defence and, with Marcos Rojo having been unavailable because of an extended break following the Copa America, Blind has filled that role.

With Van Gaal admitting the line-up against Barca was a pointer to his starting XI for the Premier League opener against Tottenham on August 8, Blind looks set to occupy that left-sided role, until Rojo is up to speed in terms of match fitness and sharpness, in a few weeks' time.

Preparations: United warm up before the game

Phil Jones remains a liability at times

Jones has started all three of United's pre-season games here in the US, adding credence to the belief he will form half of Van Gaal's central defensive partnership for the start of the season. Although Jones had his work cut out marking the formidable Luis Suarez, who twice struck the frame of the United goal in the first-half, he still looked wobbly at times, making rash, clumsy challenges.

Chris Smalling, who grew in stature last season, would seem a more secure fit in central defence, and it remains to be seen whether Van Gaal opts for him over Jones – who was booked moments after the restart - at the start of the season.

Luis Suarez hits the post with a free-kick: Jones had a tough time marking the Uruguayan

Memphis Depay looks certain to start against Spurs

Louis van Gaal said it would take time for Memphis Depay to adapt to the different pace and physical demands of the Premier League, having joined from PSV Eindhoven for £25m. But on the evidence of his three starts for United here in the US, the 21-year-old looks ready to start the season for United against Spurs.

Playing just off Rooney, Depay's awareness and speed, allied to his dynamism and impressive first touch, caused Barcelona's defenders problems throughout.

Give us a wave! Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal arrives for the match

Januzaj can recapture form of breakthrough season

Adnan Januzaj endured a difficult season under Louis van Gaal, becoming marginalised under the Dutchman having made his breakthrough in the ill-fated reign of David Moyes.

Januzaj made just eight starts last season and has been linked with a move away from United, with Everton, Sunderland and Moyes-managed Real Sociedad all interested in the Belgium winger.

Januzaj is known to want to play No.10, a tall order given the number of established players at United who can play there, but he did himself no harm when he came on, playing effectively as a striker and scoring United's third goal in the final minute, with a quick turn and assured finish.

Man in the middle: Adnan Januzaj wants to play as a No 10 for Manchester United, and did his chances no harm with a goal last night

What happened to the sell-out?

The Levi's Stadium, dubbed the 'Theatre of Jeans' by one wag for the visit of United, is an impressive, newly-constructed venue, home of the San Francisco 49ers and venue for next year's Super Bowl 50. But chronic traffic problems in and around the Santa Clara venue meant the stadium was two-thirds full at most for the first-half, despite the 68,500-seater arena being a sell-out for the match. Thousands of fans were still queuing to get in at half-time, and there were still many empty seats near the end, when the screens claimed the attendance as 68,416.

Teams

Manchester United

First half: De Gea, Darmian, Jones, Blind, Shaw, Carrick, Schneiderlin, Mata, Memphis, Young, Rooney.

Second half (team changed after 62 mins): Johnstone, Valencia, Smalling, McNair, Blackett, Lingard, Fellaini, Herrera, Wilson, Pereira, Januzaj.

Barcelona

First half: Ter Stegen, Adriano, Pique, Vermaelen, Alba, Busquets, Sergi, Rafinha, Iniesta, Suarez, Pedro.

Second half: Macip, Rakitic, Bartra, Mathieu, Alba, Gumbau, Sergi, Rafinha, Sandro, Munir, Halilovic.

Man Utd 3-1 Barcelona: Wayne Rooney on target for United

Manchester United gained their best pre-season victory so far by beating Barcelona 3-1 in front of 68,414 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Wayne Rooney's eighth-minute header from Ashley Young's corner put United in front.

Jesse Lingard doubled the lead when he swept home Tyler Blackett's cross after Louis van Gaal had replaced his entire starting XI just past the hour mark.

Rafinha's splendid volley in the final minute was followed almost immediately by United's third from Adnan Januzaj as Van Gaal's team struck on the break.

Victory over the European champions is a welcome sign of progress for Van Gaal - particularly in attack - although Barcelona did hit the woodwork on three occasions, twice through Luis Suarez, who also had a goal disallowed for offside.

United, who have a 100% record from their three US tour games, have only one match of their pre-season campaign remaining, against Paris St-Germain in Chicago on 29 July.

Making their case to start the new season

However, a minor injury kept out Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and defender Marcos Rojo was also missing after a late return from Copa America duty with Argentina - plus there is the potential for additional personnel being signed in the next fortnight.Van Gaal said on Friday his starting line-up to face Barcelona would be a pointer to the side he intends to select for the opening Premier League game against Tottenham on 8 August.

But there were still some surprises.

Netherlands international Daley Blind is ahead of Chris Smalling in the central defensive pecking order. Memphis Depay has been picked as a number 10 behind captain Wayne Rooney rather than in the wider role it was anticipated he would occupy following his £31m arrival from PSV Eindhoven.

And then there is Ashley Young. The 30-year-old winger is out of contract next summer and there has been no suggestion his deal will be renewed. But with record signing Angel Di Maria's future uncertain, Young has a chance to build on last season, when he was one of United's most consistent performers.

He impressed against Barca, cutting in from the left flank and darting across their defence. Had it not been for the strong hands of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Young could easily have got the goal his incisiveness deserved.

How are the new boys settling in?

Depay is the most notable presence of the £80m plus that United have spent on their four new signings this summer.

Quick and direct, it is clear the Netherlands international has an eye for goal and is maybe a touch too selfish at times - but he looks to be one of those players who has the knack of making things happen. He led Gerard Pique a merry dance at the start of the second half as he threatened a second goal.

Of equal importance, the 21-year-old's link-up play with Rooney has been good. Both have scored on tour following Rooney's header against Barcelona and United can feel confident about posing a more potent threat domestically than they did last season.

Of the rest, Morgan Schneiderlin is more quietly efficient than eye-catching. The France international lacks experience at the highest level and there were times at the Levi's Stadium when Barcelona played around him rather too easily. Improvement will come though, especially with Michael Carrick's experience cajoling him into the right positions.

Van Gaal surprised observers by saying Matteo Darmian was behind Antonio Valencia at right-back given the £12.8m newcomer is a current Italy international and the Ecuadorian is a makeshift in the role. But there are clearly a few rough edges to smooth given the regularity with which Darmian drove forward down the wing without checking if there was adequate cover.

The merits of Bastian Schweinsteiger have still to be seen. The Germany midfielder was "bad" against San Jose Earthquakes,according to Van Gaal. He missed out against Barca with a minor injury.

The case for the defence

In one sense, the much-talked-about attempt to sign Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid highlights a glaring problem in central defence. Yet if it came at the cost of David De Gea, it would rob United of one of their key men.If United looked good in attack, they wobbled at the back.

De Gea stood out against Barcelona. His early save from Sergi Roberto set the tone for another assured performance.

Nonetheless, Barca, without Lionel Messi and Neymar, were able to exploit the space between Blind and Phil Jones and the midfielders who were supposed to be screening them. Faults evidently exist that the return of Rojo cannot be guaranteed to fix.

It leaves Van Gaal in a tricky position. Stick with De Gea and let his contract run down or push for Ramos knowing any replacement goalkeeper - Ajax's Jasper Cillessen is the favoured candidate - may not measure up to his predecessor.

Second string make their point

Schweinsteiger's injury meant a first pre-season appearance for Marouane Fellaini, who is suspended for United's opening three games. Valencia also played for the first time this pre-season.As promised, Van Gaal changed his entire starting XI shortly after the hour mark.

Jonny Evans, who is expected to leave Old Trafford before the transfer window closes, was not used as Paddy McNair partnered Chris Smalling in central defence in the re-jigged formation.

The second string could be forgiven an element of disenchantment at being made to feel bit-part figures.

But some of the younger players in particular have work to do if they are to secure a place in Van Gaal's plans for the new campaign.

To that end, England Under-21 international Lingard, who has already had four loan moves, picked a good time to announce his intentions by scoring United's second shortly after his introduction.

Januzaj, who looked so good under David Moyes only for his performances to lapse markedly last season, also needs to catch the eye and after striking the side netting, the 20-year-old got his goal in stoppage time.

How the sides lined-up

Manchester United

First half: De Gea, Darmian, Jones, Blind, Shaw, Carrick, Schneiderlin, Mata, Memphis, Young, Rooney

Second half (entire team changed after 62 mins): Johnstone, Valencia, Smalling, McNair, Blackett, Lingard, Fellaini, Herrera, Wilson, Pereira, Januzaj

Barcelona

First half: Ter Stegen, Adriano, Pique, Vermaelen, Alba, Busquets, Sergi, Rafinha, Iniesta, Suarez, Pedro

Second half: Macip, Rakitic, Bartra, Mathieu, Alba, Gumbau, Sergi, Rafinha, Sandro, Munir, Halilovic

What will Wayne and Coleen Rooney name baby number three?

After Kai and Klay will the couple go for a hat-trick of names beginning with 'K'?

Coleen and Wayne Rooney seen leaving Wings restaurant in Manchester earlier this week

Speculation around baby names has already begun after WAG supremo Coleen Rooney announced that she’s expecting baby number three.

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney and wife Coleen were excited to announce their baby joy this week.

The expectant parents already have two sons – Kai, five, and Klay, two – leaving us wondering if they will come up with a hat-trick of names beginning with the letter ‘K’, much like the Kardashian clan.

The Rooneys, who enjoyed a date at Tattu in Spinningfields following their announcement, have not revealed whether they are expecting another boy or a girl, but Coleen has previously spoken about her desire to have a daughter.

Wayne Rooney: Twitter

Wayne and Coleen Rooney with baby Klay and older son Kai

Bookies Paddy Power are offering 12/1 for the pair to choose Kayden if it’s a boy and 16/1 for Keira. The bookmaker is even offering odds of 7.2 if the couple have twins.

Here are some of the names that the pair might also consider for their new addition to the growing Rooney family...

Kylie

Yui Mok/PA Wire

Kylie Minogue at the UK launch of Coca-Cola's bottled water brand, Glaceau Smartwater which contains electrolytes, at the Dairy Art Centre in London

Obviously if it’s a girl, in tribute to the Antipodean pop superstar or Kardashian clan member Kylie Jenner who, like the ever-stylish fashion designer Coleen, is known for her head-turning fashion choices. Sister act Kylie and Kendall recently launched their new clothing collaboration withTopshop so she and Coleen have plenty in common.

Kanye

Kanye West

Like megastar rapper Kanye and his reality TV personality wife, Wayne and Coleen are a power couple. And the Hey Mama singer is also adding to his brood with a second child on the way. ‘Kimye’ welcomed daughter North in June 2013.

Karl

Karl Lagerfeld

The 29-year-old fashionista is well known for her love of designer clobber.

Coleen, a designer for Littlewoods, is partial to a bit of Chanel. So Karl would a lovely tribute to Chanel’s creative director Karl Lagerfeld.

Kaidence

Kim Kardashian

The girl version of the name Kai. While North West was the final choice for their baby’s name, selfie queen Kim Kardashian was said to be very keen on Kaidence, to match her family’s fondness of the letter ‘K’. The reality star was also reported to like the idea of calling the baby Kai for short. If they are blessed with a daughter the Rooneys could take their lead.

Katy

Katy Perry

Named after pop princess Katy Perry, whose hits include Roar and Unconditionally, Katy would be a perfect name for a daughter.

The American singer had a number one hit with Firework and there is sure to be a celebration when Rooney baby number three arrives into the world.

WWE star King Barrett says England football captain Wayne Rooney could be a wrestler

COULD England superstar Wayne Rooney leave football for a career as a professional wrestler?

According to WWE star King Barrett, the striker has all the tools to make a successful transition.

“He would be great in WWE, he’s obviously universally hated,” Barrett said.

“He’s very good at being booed and a great athlete.

“But if he was to get in the ring with me it wouldn’t end well for him.”

WWE Superstar Wade Barrett.Source: Getty Images

Barrett admits he still wants to fight the Manchester United captain after challenging the striker to a fight earlier this year.

The Preston-born wrestler was dismayed when the dive all but sealed North End’s exit from the FA Cup.

The grappler then took to social media to vent his frustrations.

After a failed attempt to have Rooney face him in a match at WrestleMania, Barrett says he is willing to quash the beef on one condition.

“I’ll forgive him if he can deliver England to European glory,” Barrett declared.

You can see Barrett in action when the WWE’s Australian Tour comes to Brisbane on August 6, Melbourne on August 7 and Sydney on August 8.

Roy Hodgson: Captaincy has helped Wayne Rooney thrive

England manager Roy Hodgson believes captaincy has made Wayne Rooney better.

The Manchester United striker, who also skippers his club, assumed the armband following the international retirement of Steven Gerrard last summer.

And Hodgson says he has seen a marked improvement in the 29-year-old since taking on the role.

"Wayne has been fantastic all the time I've been with the national team, but I would say he has stepped up a notch in terms of being an England player since he got the captaincy," the England boss told American radio station Sirius.

"He took that honour very seriously. He researched the role a little bit, taken in experience of playing under previous captains and he works very closely with me and the players but most importantly of all, he plays well for the team.

"The good fortune for us is he has come up with goals – I am thinking of the Estonia game when he wasn't having a wonder game – even when his actual performance hasn't been as good as he can be.

"I think we are lucky that the void we thought might exist after Steven Gerrard has been filled."

Wayne Rooney celebrates his goal against Slovenia

With England top of their Euro 2016 qualifying group with a 100 per cent record, there is already a growing expectation on the team, but despite all their success in the build-up, Hodgson knows he has to find a way to perform when it comes to the crunch.

"It doesn't matter what our ranking is or if we have a young team – we are expected to win, so there is no point trying to play down expectations," he added.

"What I hope is the team, I believe, is capable of playing some very good football and will be capable of producing those performances at a European Championships, which in the past has not always been the case.

"A major task for us will be to make sure we can produce when push comes to shove in a knock-out tournament."

Wayne Rooney thriving as captain says England boss Roy Hodgson

Wayne Rooney has been in fine form for his country since taking over as captain

England boss Roy Hodgson says he thinks becoming captain has improved Wayne Rooney's performances at international level.

The 29-year-old Manchester United forward became skipper when Steven Gerrard retired following the World Cup last summer.

And Rooney has enjoyed a fine first season in the role, leading the way as England collected maximum points from their opening six Euro 2016 qualification encounters.

Hodgson told American radio station Sirius: "Wayne has been fantastic all the time I've been with the national team, but I would say he has stepped up a notch in terms of being an England player since he got the captaincy.

"He took that honour very seriously.

"He researched the role a little bit, took in his experience of playing under previous captains, and he works very closely with me and the players.

"But, most importantly of all, he plays well for the team.

"The good fortune for us is he has come up with goals - I am thinking of the Estonia game (a 1-0 win secured by a fine Rooney free-kick) when he wasn't having a wonder game - even when his actual performance hasn't been as good as he can be.

Rooney in action against Estonia

"I think we are lucky that the void we thought might exist after Steven Gerrard has been filled."

Such have been their displays in the qualifying group that expectations are building ahead of Euro 2016 and Hodgson says that is inevitable.

"It doesn't matter what our ranking is or if we have a young team,” he said. “We are expected to win, so there is no point trying to play down expectations.

"What I hope is the team I believe is capable of playing some very good football will be capable of producing those performances at a European Championships, which in the past has not always been the case.

"A major task for us will be to make sure we can produce when push comes to shove in a knock-out tournament."

Wayne Rooney and wife Coleen expecting third child

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen have announced they are expecting another child

Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen have announced they are expecting their third child.

The England striker made the announcement on Twitter saying: "Delighted that me and @ColeenRoo have our 3rd child on the way"

Delighted that me and @ColeenRoo have our 3rd child on the way

The couple already have two young sons Kai, five, and two-year-old Klay.

His wife tweeted that the couple were "happy and excited" and were expecting the child to be born in January.

Baby number 3 is on the way ...... January!! We are so happy and excited.

The 29-year-old has been with Rooney since they were 12.

Earlier this year she had spoken about wanting another child.

Coleen and Wayne Rooney expecting baby number three: “We are so happy and excited”

The couple shared their happy news on Twitter on Wednesday night, revealing that their new addition to the family is due in January 2016 

Wayne & Coleen Rooney with their sons, Kai & Klay

Coleen Rooney is pregnant with her third child with footballer husband Wayne Rooney.

The delighted presenter and designer shared the happy news on her official Twitter page on Wednesday night.

"Baby number 3 is on the way ...... January!! We are so happy and excited," she tweeted.

Happy news for the couple - with the baby due in January

Are you a parent of three? What advice would you give to the Rooneys? Tell us using the form below, on our Mirror Mums Facebook page or by emailing yourmirror@mirror.co.uk

It looks like a new year baby for the parents, who already have sons Klay and Kai together.

Wayne gave the news the heads up on Twitter, as he wrote: "Delighted that me and ColeenRoo have our 3rd child on the way".

Coleen, 29, sparked speculation that she was expecting another baby with the Manchester United footballer after pictures emerged from a trip to Barbados, with the brunette beauty sporting a more rounded tummy.
Earlier this year, she revealed that she was hoping for a new addition to the family and that she is hoping for a little girl.

“I would love another baby! I don’t mind whether it’s a girl or a boy but I do think a little girl would complete our family.

“Wayne would love to have a girl because he grew up with brothers.”

But don't expect them to keep up with the 'K' tradition if it is a little girl.

"No. I've never thought of anything beginning with K for a girl," she told the magazine.

Speaking shortly after giving birth to Klay in 2013, she told Hello! Magazine: "I'd probably like another one - not too soon though.

"I think a girl would complete the family but because the boys get on so well, another boy would be just as nice. But at the moment life's good. It's busy but I'm enjoying it."
But she also confessed having two children was more difficult than she had imagined.

Rex

Kai and Klay Rooney

She said: "When you become a mum the first time round it makes you realise you don't get much time for yourself. But second time round it's even harder.

"Kai goes to pre-school four days a week, which is good because I get to spend time with Klay and he's quite easy. He's laid-back and happy so I can take him places and he's fine."

Four days ago Coleen proudly shared a collage on her Instagram page, which she captioned: "Family".

The childhood sweethearts tied the knot and became Mr and Mrs Rooney during a lavish ceremony in Portofino, Italy on June 12, 2008.

They welcomed their first son Kai in 2009, who was followed by their second son Klay in May 2013.
The brunette beauty also hinted shortly beforehand that she is planning to try to stay fit and active throughout her latest pregnancy, tweeting: "Feeling it!! .... 3rd day back in the gym!! #hardwork".