Football
PA Sport 10y

Fellaini nets late winner, Costa double

Manchester United triumphed in Louis van Gaal's first home match as manager as Marouane Fellaini's late goal saw them defeat Valencia 2-1, while Diego Costa struck twice to hand Chelsea a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad.

Fellaini, introduced with just under 15 minutes remaining for his first appearance of preseason, capitalised on a mix-up in the Valencia defence to turn the ball home in stoppage time at Old Trafford.

The Belgium international -- not previously involved under Van Gaal having been rested due to his involvement in the latter stages of the World Cup -- has been linked with a move to Napoli, but the goal will come as welcome relief for the midfielder.

Darren Fletcher's deflected 49th-minute strike put the Red Devils in front after Wayne Rooney, who was captain for the night, hit the post with a first-half penalty.

Rodrigo Moreno equalised from close range in the 71st minute when the ball was inadvertently sent his way from a free kick by the outstretched leg of Tom Cleverley, but Fellaini's late goal made it six wins from six for Van Gaal in preseason.

It was a far from vintage display from United, who may well count themselves fortunate not to have been beaten by their Primera Division opponents, but they head into Saturday's Premier League opener against Swansea full of confidence.

And in contrast to the gloom of last term under David Moyes, there is a definite sense of renewed optimism growing at United since the Dutchman took charge.

That was certainly apparent in the warm reception a waving Van Gaal received from the stands as he headed for the dugout just prior to kick-off on Tuesday evening.

Over at Stamford Bridge, a Diego Costa brace in the first seven minutes helped Chelsea sign off from preseason in style with a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad.

Costa, a 32 million-pound acquisition from Atletico Madrid in July, gave Jose Mourinho's men the ideal preparation for their league opener at Burnley on Monday with a deserved victory.

The Blues made the perfect start when Costa opened the scoring in the second minute: the Spain striker was unleashed by a fine Ramires through-ball and made no mistake in dispatching past goalkeeper Enaut Zubikarai from a tight angle.

Costa then doubled Chelsea's lead five minutes later when he tapped home from close range after Andre Schurrle's shot crashed off a post and into his teammate's path.

Costa missed a chance to snatch a hat trick in the second half while Fernando Torres also fluffed a clear-cut opening, and Thibaut Courtois -- largely untroubled for most of the match -- had to be alert to deny Chory Castro in the 77th minute.

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