DUSHANBE, 27.07.2017. /NIAT «Khovar»/. Barcelona had Neymar to thank as his lone strike was enough to grab a 1-0 win over Manchester United at the FedExField in the International Champions Cup on Thursday evening at the FedExField Levi’s Stadium in Landover, Maryland, according to Marca.

Ernesto Valverde made seven changes from the side which started against Juventus, with MSN leading the frontline for the first time during pre-season, and he was rewarded on 31 minutes as a cunning Neymar dispossessed Antonio Valencia to fire in the eventual winner.

Continued conjecture over Neymar’s potential transfer dominated the headlines and Manchester United fans’ chants of ‘PSG, PSG’ failed to dent the Brazilian’s confidence as he swaggered his way through the first half once again, adding another goal to the two he bagged against Juve earlier in the tournament.

Fresh from a shootout win over Real Madrid, United were first out the blocks with Marcus Rashford sending in an early cross for Romelu Lukaku, but the 75 million euro man could only send his shot flying into the stands.

From there, Barcelona got into gear with Neymar having their first chance on goal, which was quickly followed up by Lionel Messi who hit straight at David De Gea after some neat interplay by the Blaugrana pair.

Moments later Messi and Neymar combined again with the Argentinian clipping the outside of the post from distance. Then at the other end Lukaku tested Jasper Cillessen who was equal to the effort.

That chance seemed to spur Jose Mourinho’s men on and flurry of opportunities came their way. First, Paul Pogba’s looping strike from 25 yards needed a smart save from the Barcelona glovesman. Henrikh Mkhitaryan flashed wide, and Jesse Lingard tried to curl one in from the edge of the area, but again it was off deflected wide.

Rashford collected the ball from a short corner and managed to dribble into the Barcelona penalty area, however Cillessen was equal to the 19-year-old’s effort at the near post.

Barcelona stepped things up as the second half went on and United found it difficult to get hold of the ball.

Luis Suarez was next in line to test De Gea, but he could only drive straight at Spain’s No.1. The Uruguayan then combined with Messi and Neymar to send the Brazilian in on goal but De Gea stood up well to deny the Barcelona frontman.

Not to be outdone by the frontmen, Nelson Semedo played a lovely ball in behind the United backline for Ivan Rakitic, and following some pinball in the penalty area, Messi headed over.

Barcelona continued to pile on the pressure and it paid off just after the half hour. A mistake from Valencia allowed Neymar to nick the ball off his boot, after which the on-form striker smashed into the far corner.

Messi struck a freekick just over the bar, and De Gea had to produce an outstanding save to deny Luis Suarez’s acrobatic effort just before half-time.

Following a raft of changes at the break, United tried to get back into the game and went close through Anthony Martial who curled over.

At the other end, substitute Sergio Romero had to rescue his side after a Eric Bailly was dispossessed by Paco Alcacer.

Wholesale chances affected the momentum of Barcelona whose grip on the game was loosened as Manchester United continued to look for an equaliser with Andreas Pereira having two good attempts on goal.

Pogo blasted wide of Cillessen’s goal, while Thomas Vermaelen had a header cleared after leaping to connect with Andres Iniesta’s freekick.

A poor backpass almost from Marouane Fellaini almost sent Alcacer in on goal, but Romero was alert and cleared the danger.

Martial claimed a penalty against Denis Suarez for a handball in the dying minutes, though the referee quickly waved play on.

Despite an improved second half performance, United were unable to breakdown a resolute Barcelona defence.