NJ’s EAST RUTHERFORD — Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, made it a point to inform the media that “we don’t play friendlies” before the preseason exhibition match against Arsenal. At a packed MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday afternoon, the Red Devils shut out the Gunners 2-0 to support that claim.
Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes’ goals in the final eight minutes of the first half were sufficient for United to win its third straight preseason clean sheet.
Defensive Lapses Haunt Arsenal and Manchester United in Intense Preseason Draw
Arsenal and Manchester’s defensive lapses aided both scores. Aaron Ramsdale, the custodian, witnessed Bruno Fernandes’ shot fly past him and into the goal. Jadon Sancho was able to win it all after Arsenal center-back Gabriel botched a clearance effort.
A Manchester United team that survived a few early Arsenal opportunities by Gabriel Martinelli and then took control of the game, notably with physical tackles and rapid transitions, barely received a reaction from Arsenal. Despite the normal flurry of substitutions in the second half, Arsenal failed to mount a strong enough push.
United, who had the greatest strategy and was the more effective team that day, deserved to win. New signings Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber all had starts for Arsenal, although none had an influence on the game. Mason Mount made his Man United debut, but he was also still figuring things out. Andre Onana, United’s newly acquired custodian, was present in the stadium but was not listed on the roster.
United’s Dominant Strategy: A Deserved Victory in Preseason Clash
For their upcoming games, both clubs will travel to the West Coast. While Arsenal Arsenal and Manchester will play Barcelona on July 26 if the Spanish team recovers from the stomach sickness that prompted the cancellation of their friendly match against Juventus on July 22, Man United will play Wrexham on Tuesday night in San Diego.
Results of Arsenal vs. Manchester United
| Final | Goal scorers | |
| Arsenal | 0 | |
| Man United | 2 | – Bruno Fernandes 30′ – Jadon Sancho 37′ |
Lineups:
During the first half, the following Arsenal players lined up in a 4-3-3 formation: Ramsdale (keeper), 12-Timber, 2-Saliba, 6-Gabriel, 18-Tomiyasu, 8-Odegaard, 41-Rice, 29-Havertz, 7-Saka, 14-Nketiah, and 11-Martinelli.
During the second half, Arsenal’s lineup was as follows (4-3-3, right to left): 1-Ramsdale (GK) — 12-Timber (4-White 59′), 2-Saliba (20-Jorginho 71′), 6-Gabriel, 3-Tierney. — 7-Saka (10-Smith Rowe 71′), 14-Nketiah (19-Trossard 71′), 11-Martinelli (9-Jesus 59′), 8-Odegaard, 41-Rice (5-Partey 59′), and 29-Havertz (21-Vieira 71′).
Man United’s first-half lineup was as follows (4-3-3): 22 Heaton (GK) – 29 Wan-Bissaka, 19 Varane, 6-L. Martinez, 23 Shaw – 8 Fernandes, 37 Mainoo, 7 Mount – 21 Antony, 25 Sancho, and 49 Garnacho.
Man United’s second half (4-3-3, right to left) lineup: 20-Diogo Dalot, 22-Heaton (GK), Five. Harry Maguire Victor Lindelof 2, 14-Eriksen, 16-A. Diallo (28-Pellistri 59′), 10-Rashford, and 52-Forson are the players who make up the 33-Brandon Williams line.
United launched a variety of assaults on Arsenal, combining over-the-top direct play with swift transitions and conventional attacking building. In all situations, they exuded confidence and comfort. And it began with roughhouse play and strong defense, albeit Gabriel Martinelli only had one excellent opportunity and should have performed better.
Jadon Sancho was the tallest forward on the attacking end, but Bruno Fernandes was standing just behind him in support, and the two just so happened to score the goals. Marcus Rashford and Antony were two of the wingers who put in work despite not doing much to stick out.
Man United give off the impression of a strong team, where everyone is aware of their responsibilities and where a work ethic and positive attitude are valued. Mason Mount will need to integrate into that group, and the club already has an edge thanks to Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez. Kobbie Mainoo, an 18-year-old holding midfielder, also fits the bill.
Arsenal is a still-developing squad
The fact that Arsenal failed to respond and that his players lacked the zeal their coach exhibited after the game should worry Mikel Arteta more than any tactical issues.
That I detest losing. In his post-game news conference, Arteta discussed what he took away most from the game: “And we all hate to lose. “The main lesson is that. I dislike both losing and the way I’m feeling at the moment.
He began his speech by saying, “It’s a test to see how painful it is even though it’s a test match when you lose a game. “I want to see the team’s pain and how they respond to that defeat,” the fan said.
In fairness, it’s plausible that Arsenal could play a game like Saturday’s in which they were physically outmatched by their adversary due to the afternoon heat and some tired legs following the preseason training. A response from the players, though, may have at the very least served to send a message to a prospective title contender. A Granit Xhaka would have taken on the task by himself. Who does it today?
Also Read: The British Open is won by Brian Harman, who dominates, by six strokes.
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