United edge past Milan in penalty-fest

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Alexis Sanchez was on target as Manchester United defeated AC Milan on penalties in their International Champions Cup friendly on Wednesday. Chilean international Sanchez was United's best performer in a low-key game at Carson's StubHub Center, which finished 1-1.

Sanchez fired United into the lead with a well-taken goal on the 12th minute before Spanish midfielder Suso equalized for Milan three minutes later. Although Sanchez produced a lively performance for United, the Premier League giants were unable to find a further goal, sending the game to penalties.

A bizarre shoot-out was won 9-8 by United, with both teams having to recycle their penalty takers after a string of missed spot-kicks.

Goalkeeper Joel Pereira of Manchester United makes a save during the penalty shootout against the AC Milan. /VCG Photo

Ander Herrera fired United into the lead with his second penalty during the shootout before Ivorian youngster Franck Kessie chipped his spot-kick over the bar to give United the win. United's Portuguese goalkeeper Joel Pereira, deputizing for the absent David De Gea and Sergio Romero, said he hoped his performance in the shoot-out had helped his bid to win a place in manager Jose Mourinho's squad.

“Obviously I have been the last 18 months here and the manager shows good faith and trust in me, he wants me to play and he thinks it's the right thing for me,” Pereira said. “I will find out next week where I play next season. I want to prove the manager the faith he put in me is right.”

(With agency input)