The English giants were the better side for the majority of the first half, with Facundo Pellistri particularly lively in an unfamiliar left-wing role, and went ahead through Diogo Dalot’s fine, curled effort after 24 minutes.
Christian Eriksen went close with a free kick and Omari Forson should have done better when presented with a chance inside the area. The youngster was hauled off before half-time, and given a public talking to by Erik ten Hag on the touchline, after an angry altercation with Karim Adeyemi.
United looked to be cruising into half-time with the lead, but two defensive errors in two minutes gifted Dortmund an equaliser and then the lead. First Brandon Williams’ rash, and failed, tackle left Dortmund the space for Donyell Malen to volley and then, 18 seconds later, Victor Lindelof repeated the trick and Williams played everyone onside for Malen to score a second.
Sebastian Haller could, and probably should, have extended Dortmund’s lead shortly after the restart, but was denied by substitute Andre Onana, who reacted y berating Harry Maguire for a misplaced pass. It proved a very important save as minutes later, United were level. Time time is was Dortmund to hesitate in defence and Antony reacted quickest to find the far bottom corner with a neat finish.
Ten Hag rang the changes on the hour mark, introducing eight players at once, including Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, which affected the rhythm of the game until Dortmund were gifted another goal to retake the lead. Marco Reus intercepted an Aaron Wan-Bissaka pass and simply crossed to Youssoufa Moukoko to slot home.
Marcus Rashford should have equalised in the final minutes, first fluffing his lines at the back post before being denied a minute later with a shot across the keeper, but United leave the United States with another defeat.
