The summer signing opened his account for Los Blancos in Houston before a stunning Joselu overhead kick sealed victory over Erik ten Hag's side

Jude Bellingham might be the most expensive English player of all time, but if he keeps up his early performance levels he will turn out to be a bargain for Real Madrid. The midfielder scored a classy first goal for his new club to set them on their way to a 2-0 victory over Manchester United, a result which showed that despite the progress the Red Devils have made in the last year, the 14-times European champions are still a class above them.

Bellingham had already shown Madrid what he was capable of in his first match against AC Milan, and he built on that performance with an equally impressive display in front of a sold-out and raucous crowd in Houston.

But it was Madrid striker Joselu who truly got the fans off their feet by securing the victory with a stupendous overhead kick which left United's debutant goalkeeper Andre Onana with no chance of saving.

GOAL looks at what we learned during the clash at NRG Stadium…

Getty Bellingham continues flying start with Madrid

It is only pre-season but Bellingham is already demonstrating why Real Madrid were prepared to pay up to £115 million ($149m) to sign him. He inspired Los Blancos to a 3-2 turnaround against AC Milan in his debut and here, in only his second outing, he scored his first goal.

And what a strike it was, the England midfielder controlling a lofted through ball from Antonio Rudiger with his left foot to wiggle past Lisandro Martinez before lofting the ball over Onana with a swing of his right boot.

Bellingham played in an advanced role in his 45 minutes on the pitch, linking up with Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr while also commanding the midfield. The 20-year-old appears to have taken no time at all to assimilate Madrid's style of play, and if his first two matches are anything to go by, he looks sure to hit the ground running when the La Liga season starts up.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesA cruel setback for Mainoo

The game got off to a nightmare start for United when Kobbie Mainoo, one of their most impressive players so far in pre-season, was forced off injured after an unfortunate tangle with Madrid forward Rodrygo in only the second minute of the game. The Brazilian forward had been tackled by Casemiro and his legs landed on the feet of Mainoo, causing what looked to be an ankle injury.

Mainoo had to be held up by two members of United's medical staff as he slowly hobbled off the pitch and the injury threatens to derail the excellent progress the teenage midfielder has made in the last year. He was pictured using crutches and wearing a protective boot after the game, though Ten Hag could not give any details on the extent of the injury.

"You can never tell straight after a game. We have to wait for what it is. Hopefully he is not too bad and chances will come," said the United manager.

The teenager was a key part of the United side that won the 2022 FA Youth Cup and graduated into the first team with a handful of appearances in Ten Hag's side. After impressive displays against Leeds, Lyon and Arsenal in pre-season, he looked set to have a bigger role in the team next season, but United now face an anxious wait to see how bad the injury is.

Getty ImagesOnana sets out his stall

United's new No.1 made his highly-anticipated debut after finally joining the club from Inter for £47m ($60m), and while he did not exactly have the ideal first match and conceded two goals, he showed why United chose to sign him and ditch David de Gea.

The Cameroonian demonstrated his usual confidence on the ball and was typically audacious when it was at his feet. In the first half, he completed all of the 22 passes he attempted, including three long passes. And he was often seen way outside of his penalty area, positioning himself halfway up United's half when his side were in possession down the other end.

He is likely to give Red Devils' fans plenty of anxious moments, but he should also allow the team to play how Ten Hag wants them to.

GettyJoselu wants to fill Benzema's boots

While Real Madrid try to force through a deal for Kylian Mbappe either for this summer or in 2024, the only player they have signed to replace Karim Benzema is Joselu. The Spain striker, who was relegated last season with Espanyol, might not have much in common with the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, but he showed his appetite to score stunning goals by landing an outrageous bicycle kick which clinched victory for Madrid in the 89th minute.

The striker span up in the air to lash Lucas Vazquez's cross into the net, leaving Onana with no chance. Unless Madrid pull off the Mbappe deal or sign another striker, Joselu will begin the season as the club's only natural centre-forward. While he lacks the glamour of many of Real's great strikers in the past, he is certainly not lacking confidence, and he can be a very useful foil to wide forwards Rodrygo and Vinicius.