MADRID, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui looked for positives as he began his reign after a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in an International Champions Cup game played in Miami.

Alexis Sanchez and Ander Herrera put United 2-0 ahead in the first half and although Karim Benzema pulled a goal back for Madrid they were unable to find an equalizer in a game in which both sides were missing key men after the World Cup.

"We all want to win all the time, but the key thing was not the result. In this preparation phase, we want to consolidate concepts. For them it was their fifth game and for us just our first. We handled the game well, they had two good shots on goal," said Lopetegui after the match, which was played in front of just over 65,000 supporters.

"The team had character and showed positives. There were no injuries and in general the team performed acceptably; there were things that made us happy," continued the Real Madrid boss.

Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho has had a difficult summer with complaints about the non-arrival of new signings and over key players missing after World Cup duty. The win did little to lighten his mood.

"I didn't learn anything," Mourinho said. "I know what Herrera, Mata and Sanchez are, I know the kids are very young and need time to grow up. The boys gave everything and we tried to fight for the best result, but tactically it means nothing."

Mourinho was also asked about French striker Anthony Martial and said he didn't know when he would return to the squad after becoming a father.