Manchester United ended their final tour game of pre-season losing 1-0 to Atletico Madrid in Oslo – after finishing the game with ten men.
Brazilian midfielder Fred was sent off for a second yellow by Norwegian referee Espen Eskas in the 90th minute for a stamp on Madrid strker Alvaro Morata.
That came minutes after second half substitute Joao Felix had put Diego Simeone's side ahead with a cunning low finish.
Despite carving several decent early chances United just couldn't find a goal to see off the Spaniard's who are behind Erik ten Hag's in their own pre-season preparations.
And that will be a concern for the Dutch boss who gives his stars another run out at Old Trafford tomorrow against Rayo Vallacano in their final warm-up game before the start of the new campaign.
Jadon Sancho felt ill overnight and didn't figure against Madrid while Luke Shaw didn't travel but both may have a chance against more Spanish opposition with £55 million defender looking for his debut in front of home fans.
Here are the game's main talking points
1. Eriksen makes debut
Christian Eriksen's United debut has seen a long time coming – but he made an instant impact to hint at the promise of big things ahead for the Dane.
His collapse playing for Denmark in Copenhagen at the delayed Euros in 2021 was a dreadful moment for football.
But Eriksen has not only recovered but is back on the big stage after joining United.
The crowd lifted the roof off the Ullevaal Stadium as Eriksen made his debut as a 68th minute replacement for Anthony Martial and almost made an instant impact.
First he pinged a fabulous cross into the heart of Atletico's box but neither Marcus Rashford or Anthony Elanga could get a touch.
Moments later he picked out skipper Harry Maguire unmarked in the six yard box but the defender somehow headed wide. It was enough, though, to suggest he's going to be a big player for ten Hag.
2. Worries in front of goal
After scoring freely on their tour of Asia and Australia the goals dried up in Norway – and that will be a worry for Erik ten Hag.
United scored 13 goals in four games on their summer tour but in Oslo they found Atletico Madrid a tough nut to crack – and drew a blank.
They carved decent enough early chances but couldn't find a killer touch – and that may urge United to increase their pursuit of teenage RB Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko.
3. Encouraging for Maguire
United captain Harry Maguire might have had a rough ride this year but he mostly looked solid and commanding.
Booed in Melbourne against Crystal Palace and given the same treatment by England fans against Ivory Coast the Three Lions skipper has been under the microscope and needs a big season at Old Trafford.
But he made a key block to stop Atletico Madrid striker Matheus Cunha putting the Spaniards ahead just after half time.
And he could have been the match winning hero but with time running out he headed an Eriksen corner wide when it was easier to score.
4. Malacia can challenge Shaw
Erik ten Hag is expecting big things from £14.6 million left back left back Tyrell Malacia and the former Feyenoord star looks like he could give Luke Shaw a run for his money.
Athletic, quick and positive Malacia is an upgrade on Alex Telles and it doesn't appear he's been brought in to understudy Shaw.
The 22-year-old star has been at United only five minutes but already he looks to have struck up an early understanding with Marcus Rashford that looks promising.
5. Man Utd still appeal
Manchester United might have been in decline on the pitch for a few years – but they're still box office in Scandanavia.
Like in Melbourne and Perth in Australia earlier on their summer tour, the 28,000 capacity Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo was packed to the rafters.
United were greeted with a sea of red and white with barely an Atletico Madrid shirt to be seen as Norway went nuts for Erik ten Hag and his stars.
