Friendlies review: Rashford scores, Everton win again

The presentation of new striker Rasmus Hojlund to the Old Trafford crowd preceded another Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford getting on the scoresheet, as he inspired a 3-1 comeback win against Lens in the Red Devils' penultimate pre-season friendly.

Hojlund, who has joined on a five-year contract from Atalanta, watched on as his new team-mates went behind to Florian Sotoca's long-range lob over Andre Onana from just inside the United half.

The home side levelled early in the second half through a neat clipped finish from last season's top scorer Rashford, before Antony fired them ahead.

Rashford's header from a Luke Shaw free-kick ricocheted in off Casemiro to wrap up victory and ensure that new signings Onana and Mason Mount enjoyed winning starts on their home debuts.

Calvert-Lewin scores, Tarkowski injured

Sean Dyche's first full pre-season at Everton continued in a positive fashion as Dominic Calvert-Lewin's first-half penalty secured a 1-0 home success over Sporting.

A concern for Dyche, however, was the sight of defender James Tarkowski hobbling off late on, although the manager confirmed post-match that he is hopeful it was "just a knock". Everton are unbeaten in all six matches leading up to their Premier League opener on Saturday 12 August, when they host Fulham.

Jimenez and Bassey on target for Fulham

Fulham wrapped up their pre-season with a 2-1 win against Hoffenheim in a match where new signings Raul Jimenez and Calvin Bassey both scored their first goals for the club.

Jimenez's opener had been cancelled out, when Marco Silva brought on Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andreas Pereira, and it was from the latter's delivery that centre-back Bassey rose to head home the winner.

See: Clubs' pre-season fixtures and results

At Molineux, a stunning strike from Rayan Ait-Nouri was the pick of the bunch as Wolverhampton Wanderers completed their final match ahead of their Premier League opener at Man Utd with a 3-1 victory over Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais.

Sheff Utd lose, Luton win again

Elsewhere there were mixed fortunes for two promoted clubs, Sheffield United and Luton Town.

Sheff Utd manager Paul Heckingbottom reflected on a "tough game against good opposition" as the Blades lost 3-0 to Stuttgart.

"Our games [in the Premier League] are going to be tougher than that," said Heckingbottom, "And we wanted to make sure we gave ourselves some real stiff competition, and we got that."

Luton wrapped up preparations for their debut Premier League campaign with a double-header against Bochum. Tom Lockyer netted in the first match, a 2-1 defeat, while Luke Berry's brace and a goal from Elijah Adebayo secured a 3-1 win in the second.

Brentford also played twice on Saturday as Kevin Schade and Michael Olakigbe both netted two goals apiece and Christian Norgaard the other as the Bees beat Lille 5-1 behind-closed-doors. The second match at the Gtech Community Stadium finished goalless in a match that saw both Bryan Mbeumo and Frank Onyeka withdrawn midway through the first half.

However head coach Thomas Frank delivered a positive after the match and is optimistic both will be available for Brentford's opener against Tottenham Hotspur.

"We expect both players to be involved next Sunday," Frank told the club's official website. “It was a dead leg for Bryan, so that’s why we subbed him off early. We’re not taking any risks, and that was the same with Frank. They should be fine.”

Newcastle United fans got their first chance to see summer signing Sandro Tonali in action at St James' Park, but it was Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak who took the scoring honours with a goal apiece in the 2-0 win over Fiorentina.

Eddie Howe's side conclude their pre-season friendlies at home to Villarreal tomorrow.

Nottingham Forest welcomed back Brennan Johnson for his first minutes of pre-season following injury as Steve Cooper's side battled to a 0-0 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt in their final pre-season match before a Matchweek 1 trip to Arsenal next Saturday.

In two of Saturday's later matches, AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace recorded 2-0 victories against Lorient and Lyon respectively.

David Brooks and Kieffer Moore were on target with a goal in each half for the Cherries, while Jeffrey Schlupp and Odsonne Edouard wrapped up victory at Selhurst Park.

Villa round off preparations with win

Finally, Aston Villa ended their pre-season schedule with a 2-1 win over Valencia. Ollie Watkins scored his fourth goal of the summer, while Emiliano Buendia got the second. 

It took until the 88th minute for Villa's defence to be breached and it was in unfortunate fashion, as Calum Chambers headed into his own net. 

Villa are unbeaten through six pre-season matches heading into their Premier League opener at Newcastle on Saturday.

Remaining pre-season fixtures

Sunday 6 August

Arsenal v Man City (Wembley) FA Community Shield Arsenal Details | Man City Details
Brighton v Rayo Vallecano Details
Man Utd v Athletic Bilbao (Dublin) Details
Newcastle v Villarreal Details
Spurs v Shakhtar Donetsk Details 

Monday 7 August

Liverpool v Darmstadt (Deepdale) Details

Tuesday 8 August

Spurs v Barcelona (Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys) Details