Man U wins friendly against Barcelona

London, July 31(ANI): Manchester United has defeated Champions League winners Barcelona 2-1 in a pre-season friendly in Washington.

Nani and Michael Owen scored for United, while Thiago Alcantara scored the lone goal for Barcelona, who were without star striker Lionel Messi, the BBC reports.

The downside for United was that Rafael da Silva was injured in a 17th-minute collision with Seydou Keita and must undergo tests on his right knee to ascertain whether he will be fit for the start of the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side will return to England to prepare for the Community Shield against FA Cup winners Manchester City next Sunday at Wembley.

"Tonight wasn't a do-or-die situation. It was important that the players we put out on the pitch understand what it takes to play against an exceptional team," Ferguson's assistant manager Mike Phelan said. (ANI)