Jude Bellingham said he refuses to get "carried away" after capping a stellar week with his first Real Madrid goal.
Bellingham backed up an eye-catching performance against AC Milan with a well-taken opener against Arsenal as Real ran out 2-0 winners over the English side in Houston, Texas.
The 20-year-old midfielder completed his big-money switch to the Bernabeu last month, leaving Borussia Dortmund for a fee that could rise to $113 million.
The England star was taken off at half time at the NRG Stadium but was deemed to have done enough to earn the man-of-the-match award.
“I look like I am enjoying it, I like to think,” Bellingham said after the game. “So far, so good.
“I am enjoying playing with this team, learning from so many great players. I am definitely not getting carried away just yet.
“There are big challenges to come this season. There is a lot to aim for and rightly so. It is the biggest club with the best players. The expectations are high as they should be. It is about us going out there and matching that.”
Bellingham showed a glimpse of that quality when meeting Antonio Rudiger’s pass from the back with a delicate touch and clipped finish from the edge of the box over Andre Onana making in the Manchester United goal.
Bellingham admitted he was finding it hard to learn Spanish, but whatever difficulties he does have it certainly isn't effecting his performance on the field.
“I was confident coming here because I knew how good the players were,” Bellingham said. “I know the qualities I can bring and I feel like I have slotted in.
“The role I am playing is enjoyable. I had a decent game against AC Milan and a decent one today. I just want to keep up the rhythm going into the season.”
Man United ratings v Real Madrid
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MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: Andre Onana 7 - Confident. Could do little as he conceded his first goal after five minutes on his debut. Smart save from the livewire Vinicius. Kicked well with both feet and content to be in an advanced position – regularly 10/15 yards from his own box. Doubtful that any keeper could’ve stopped Madrid’s second. EPA -
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 6 - Played Bellingham onside before the first Madrid goal, but otherwise comfortable on the ball. Good for him to play against Madrid’s pace and one-touch counters. AFP -
Lisandro Martinez 6 - He doesn’t do friendlies. Booked for a late challenge on Bellingham in the first half, then just needed a touch to finish a chance on 51 minutes. AFP -
Raphael Varane 6 - Against the club where he won the lot, United’s defence struggled to decipher a team without a number nine. AFP -
Luke Shaw 5 - Want to see what absolute top level fullbacks look like? They were wearing white, not a new green striped away kit, in Houston. Will need to get used to playing with Onana. United had a lot of possession between the goals, yet Madrid made their possession count. AFP -
Casemiro 6 - The man who made 336 appearances for Real Madrid dragged a first-half shot wide and Madrid’s midfield were superior, broke quickly and made more telling attacking balls than United. EPA -
Bruno Fernandes 7 - Played wider than normal – and longer than any of the other outfield starters. One of the few to get a grip on the pace of Vinicius, United’s captain showed the variety to his game with flicks, runs and crossfield balls. His frustration earned him a yellow on 80 minutes. Came close to scoring on 88. AP Photo -
Mason Mount - 5. Once put Chelsea ahead in Madrid in a stand out performance. Wasn't as effective here. Snapped a shot on target after 18 minutes. AFP -
Kobbie Mainoo - N/A. Deserved his start and fans were looking forward to seeing him play against one of the best teams in the world. It was huge shame that he limped off after an early challenge with Rodrygo. AP -
Alejandro Garnacho 7 - Grew into the game to become United’s main threat. The Madrid-born player tried to stretch Madrid’s defence and Carvajal and then Vasquez on the left. Shot on target after 56. AFP -
Marcus Rashford 6 - Tussled with Rudiger. Shot across goal after United’s best move of the first half on 35, but let down by a poor first touch. AP Photo -
SUBS: Christian Eriksen (pictured) 5 - On for the injured Mainoo and a tough challenge against Madrid’s fleet-heeled midfielders; Victor Lindelof 6 - One of United's better performers; Antony 6 - Worked hard, cut in from the right to the left and had a shot, but once again he failed to hit the target. AFP -
Scott McTominay 6 - Did well. Went on a run and had a shot on goal. AP Photo -
Diogo Dalot 6 - Had a fine view of Joselu’s goal. Like the rest of his teammates who stood watching. AP Photo -
Harry Maguire 6 - Headed a Fernandes free kick across goal. Teed up Antony for an attack. Booked. Again. AP Photo -
Jadon Sancho 6 - Skilfull in tight situations in a short run out. EPA -
Donny van De Beek 5 - He once stood out in a game against Real Madrid. Not tonight. AFP -
Facundo Pellistri 6 - Nice turns and balance. EPA -
Brandon Williams 5 - Lovely ball to Pellistri on 88, but a weaker follow up cross. Out of position for Madrid’s second. AP Photo
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag said his team's inability to take their chances against Real Madrid “absolutely” emphasised their need for a new striker.
Substitute Joselu wrapped up a 2-0 Madrid win with a stunning acrobatic strike at the death following Bellingham's earlier effort
United had chances of their own but failed to score with any of their 14 attempts – an all too familiar tale given their problems taking opportunities last season.
Asked if the attacking display in Texas emphasised why they are looking to sign a new striker, Ten Hag said: “Absolutely.
“There were two things – the pressing can be better from the start, and scoring goals.
“I think we need more players who are capable to be in the one-on-ones and we had the situations of one-on-ones.
“It was [Marcus] Rashford, it was, I thought, Scott McTominay in one-on-one situations. Garnacho, a one-on-one situation. From the situations, you have to score.”
United are pushing to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, with talks over a deal under way and other potential attacking irons in the fire as they look to bring in a frontman.
Ten Hag has already brought in Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and Inter Milan goalkeeper Onana this summer, with the latter making his bow in Houston.
“I think good, solid,” Ten Hag said of Onana’s display. “Two very good saves.
“He was there in the moment the team needed him, so he did his job. I think he integrated well in our team.
“This is the first game and detail, we have a lot of work to do between him and the defending part."
