ANN ARBOR, Michigan – Ashley Young struck twice on Saturday to help Manchester United to a 3-1 friendly win over Real Madrid in front of the biggest crowd to watch a football match in America.
A crowd of 109,318 packed Michigan Stadium, home of the University of Michigan Wolverines that is fondly known as “The Big House.”
Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez also scored for Manchester United, while Real’s lone goal was Gareth Bale’s strike from the penalty spot.
Madrid trailed 2-1 in the second half when manager Carlo Ancelotti departed from his previously announced plan and introduced former United star Cristiano Ronaldo off the bench.
The move did little for the European champions’ quest for an equaliser, but it delighted the huge crowd.
The attendance surpassed the prior record 101,799 who watched the 1984 Olympic final between Brazil and France at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl.
The victory sends Manchester United into Monday’s final of the International Champions Cup, a series of friendlies involving eight European clubs all preparing for their domestic campaigns.