Arsenal 2:1 Manchester United | Pre-Season | SoFi Stadium
A potentially damaging evening in Los Angeles saw a two-one defeat for Manchester United against Arsenal.
SoFi stadium was the setting for the latest pre-season chapter of this iconic Premier League rivalry – with 62,486 supporters in attendance.
Despite plenty of promising football and victory in a penalty shootout afterwards – injuries to Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro have left Erik ten Hag in a familiar position.
The fixture presented the first glamour outing of the summer for United, with the Dutchman intent on delivering an impressive display against Arteta’s side.
Teenage sensation Leny Yoro misjudged the bounce of a long ball within 60 seconds of the opening whistle, leaving supporters with hearts in their mouths.
Thankfully, the Frenchman recovered immediately and highlighted his undeniable defensive abilities.
United were excellent early on and looked assured in their application of the manager’s instructions, with Rasmus Hojlund notching his first pre-season goal after ten minutes.
Unfortunately, he was withdrawn shortly after following an awkward landing when attempting to meet a cross into the area.
The Danish international appeared to utter ‘hamstring’ while speaking with the medical staff.
Gabriel Jesus equalised for the Londoners ten minutes later, profiting from a lack of VAR in the run-up to the goal.
To add to the dismay, Yoro followed Hojlund onto the physio’s table with a suspected ankle issue with the scores level.
While we are not yet aware of the significance of either injury, it is an infuriating scenario for Ten Hag after half an hour of the opening US fixture.
Understandably, the unplanned changes and severe weather hampered the gameplan, seeing Arsenal grow into the tie with 15 minutes of the half remaining.
Both sides had opportunities to take the lead before the break, with Mason Mount causing significant problems for the Gunner’s defence.
Youngster Harry Amass was the undeniable star of the opening 45, however, looking at home amongst the senior players and comfortable dictating the left flank with Marcus Rashford.
Ten Hag introduced ten changes at the break continuing his commitment to maximum squad time through the the summer fixtures.
The group struggled to gain control of the tie, with Arsenal displaying a superiority throughout the second 45.
James Scanlon – often thriving in an advanced attacking role – was tasked with filling in on the right side of defence.
While working admirably, he struggled against Gabriel Martinelli, with the Brazilian scoring the late winner following a fine finish.
After the final whistle, the teams participated in a penalty shootout, with Jadon Sancho slotting home the winner.
Ten Hag will be sweating regarding news of the injuries of his two young stars, with the focus turning to Thursday’s meeting with Real Betis in San Diego.
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