Sydney United had the opportunity of a lifetime when it took on a cashed up Shanghai Shenhua side boasting record signing and former Manchester City star Carlos Tevez.

For Gus Poyet's side, it was a chance to familiarise itself with Australian opposition, ahead of its Asian Champions League clash with Brisbane Roar next week.

Shanghai Shenhua was too strong for the reigning NSW Premier League champion on the night, with an Obafemi Martins double and Carlos Tevez's first strike for his new club rounding out the 3-0 win.

Former Inter Milan striker Martins opened the scoring in the first half, before a Tevez made it 2-0 with a stunning strike from 25 yards.

Martins then doubled his account to make it 3-0 and put the game out of reach for Sydney United.