A routine pre-season workout between a couple of strolling European powers in Denver was made memorable by a spectacular moment of brilliance from Roma’s Miralem Pjanic. The Bosnian scored a superb 60 yard lob – it was special even by the standards of successful 60 yard lobs – in Roma’s 3-2 defeat at the hands of Manchester United at Denver’s Sports Authority Field.
With Manchester United keeper Ben Amos off his line Pjanic took one touch before, under some pressure, before launching a perfectly weighted shot from inside his own half.
The goal wasn’t enough for the Italians though, with Wayne Rooney scoring twice and setting up Juan Mata for a third. Francesco Totti scored from the spot for Roma’s second goal.
United manager Louis Van Gaal was visibly unimpressed by Amos’s effort at stopping Pjanic’s shot, and after the game spoke to the media about the goal in a way that will give the 24 year old keeper little hope for first team action at Old Trafford this season: “I am nearly 63 years old and I run when the ball is flying four seconds, fifty metres. What do you think?”
Pjanic had previously been putting his right foot to use impressing Roma's hosts, by nonchalantly kicking field goals - including a 50 yard effort - for the American press in Denver.
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