Manchester United made one of the most eyebrow-raising signings of the summer transfer window earlier this month with the acquisition of Lee Grant from Stoke City.The 35-year-old goalkeeper only made five appearances last season for the Potters, who were relegated to the Championship.However, Jose Mourinho made the decision to bring the veteran shot-stopper to Old Trafford as cover for 22-year-old Joel Pereira, who is expected to go out on loan this season.“We did Lee Grant because we have a fantastic young goalkeeper [Joel Pereira] who needs to play football,” the United boss told reporters this week.“I really believe Joel is a Manchester United goalkeeper but he cannot be 19-years-old and two years without football, he has to play.“To protect that position we have Lee, we’ve known Lee for a long time, he has experience in the Championship, also with Stoke City in the Premier League, he’s more than ready to fulfil that position and allow the development of Joel.“Joel that he is here with us is good for him to play, then he will go on loan.”

What Man Utd fans are saying about Lee Grant

Both Grant and Pereira played one half each in United’s first pre-season friendly against Club America on Thursday night.

Grant played the opening 45 minutes, keeping a clean sheet on his first appearance for the club, while Pereira could do little to prevent the Mexican side from taking the lead on the hour-mark.

Henry Martin had been left unmarked inside the penalty area and his bullet header found the back of the net.

But as United fans were distinctly underwhelmed by Grant’s signing, what did they make of his debut?

Well, it turns out they were actually pleasantly surprised by what they saw from the one-time England Under-21 international who has spent the majority of his career playing in the Football League.

Not only did he pull off a couple of decent saves but he also looked pretty good with the ball at his feet.

There were also a lot of tweets which made us smile...

He’s no David de Gea, or even Sergio Romero for that matter, but fans now understand why Mourinho has signed him.

With Pereira going out on loan, Grant will be a useful squad player for Mourinho, especially if either De Gea or Romero suffer an injury this season.

Video: Lee Grant's highlights v Club America

Meanwhile, a video of Grant’s highlights from the match has emerged, and you can watch it here…

It was Juan Mata who spared United’s blushes with his equalising goal, scored with just over 10 minutes remaining.

The Red Devils now prepare to take on San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday before the International Champions Cup gets underway next week.