Prior to their preseason friendly against Arsenal, Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, had strong words for the media, stating that “we don’t play friendlies.”
His team proved the point on Saturday afternoon, as the Red Devils blanked Arsenal 2-0 in front of a sold-out crowd at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
United wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho scoring two goals within eight minutes in the first half. Both goals came on the back of defensive errors from Arsenal.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was left helpless as the ball skipped past him into the net from a Bruno Fernandes shot. Arsenal center-back Gabriel’s failed clearance paved the way for Jadon Sancho to score United’s second goal.
Despite a few early chances for Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, Manchester United quickly gained control of the game with their physicality and quick transitions. The second half saw a host of substitutions, but Arsenal failed to mount a significant challenge, allowing United to maintain their lead.
United’s victory was well-deserved, as they displayed the most effectiveness on the field with a solid game plan.
Arsenal’s new signings, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber, were unable to make an impact, while Mason Mount, starting for United, struggled to find his rhythm. Notably, Andre Onana, United’s new goalkeeper signing, was present at the stadium but was not included in the match sheet.
Next up, both teams will head to the West Coast for their next preseason matches. Manchester United will face Wrexham in San Diego on Tuesday night, while Arsenal’s opponent will be Barcelona on Wednesday, July 26, pending the resolution of a stomach bug that affected the Spanish club’s scheduled friendly against Juventus on July 22.
