Arsenal 0-2 Manchester United (Jul 22, 2023) Game Analysis
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Manchester United kicked off their summer tour of the United States with a 2-0 win over Arsenal at MetLife Stadium.
Bruno Fernandes marked his appointment as permanent United captain with a first-half goal, followed shortly afterwards by another goal from Jadon Sancho, used at number 9 in Erik ten Hag’s system.
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Tom Heaton, who started in goal while new signing André Onana continues to build up his fitness after moving from Inter, Gabriel Martinelli made a good save with a brace.
Mason Mount started the game for United in front of a sold-out crowd of 82,262 – the highest attendance at a New Jersey football game – while Declan Rice, Jurriën Timber and Kai Havertz were all part of a strong team put together by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Arteta will not be happy with errors that led to United’s two first-half goals, first by Aaron Ramsdale and then by Gabriel.
Ramsdale should have blocked Fernandes’ shot from outside the box while Gabriel allowed Sancho through before charging at goal and firing a shot into the top corner.
The only downside for Ten Hag was Amad Diallo’s injury. The Ivory Coast winger, who impressed on loan at Sunderland last season, came on at half-time but had to be replaced by Facundo Pellistri shortly afterwards.
Despite the result, a penalty shoot-out ensued after the final whistle, after both managers agreed before kick-off that it was a good opportunity to practice penalty shoot-outs in front of a large crowd.
United won the shoot-out 5-3 thanks to the successful performances of Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelöf, Marcus Rashford and Christian Eriksen. Fabio Vieira missed the decisive shot for Arsenal.
