“Astonishing match between Arsenal and Manchester United ended with a pre-season victory for the Red Devils as they defeated the Gunners 2-0 at the sold-out MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday afternoon. Arsenal vs. Manchester United Mach 2-0
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In the first half, Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho scored within eight minutes of each other, securing United’s third consecutive pre-season clean sheet.
Arsenal vs. Manchester United Maches Arsenal vs. Manchester United
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale saw Bruno Fernandes’ shot slip past him and into the net. Arsenal’s center-back Gabriel made a clearance attempt but ended up setting up Jadon Sancho perfectly to score.
Manchester United dominated Arsenal in terms of possession and controlled the game with swift changes and attacking build-up. Arsenal struggled to create any significant chances, especially in the second half, where they faced multiple defensive blocks.
It was a well-deserved win for Manchester United, who played impressively and executed their game plan brilliantly. Arsenal introduced new signings Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurian Timber from the start, but none made a substantial impact. Mason Mount started for United, but he was still trying to solidify his position in the team. New goalkeeper Andre Onana was present but failed to keep a clean sheet.
Both teams will now turn their attention to their next matches. Manchester United will face Wrexham on Tuesday night in San Diego, while Arsenal’s clash with Barcelona is scheduled for Wednesday, July 26, provided the Spanish club resolves its COVID-related issues that led to the cancellation of their friendly against Juventus on July 22.
Manchester United is making strides in their development under manager Erik ten Hag. He claims that they do not play friendly matches, and their performance against Arsenal showed just that. United’s attacking mix of quick changes and standard attacking build-up provided them an advantage over their opponents.
consistent goal-scoring center-forward
On the other hand, Arsenal, still a young team, needs to find answers. Manager Mikel Arteta might be troubled by the lack of a consistent goal-scoring center-forward, but it’s a challenge he must address. The team needs to show a response after a loss, and the players must display the same passion as their coach.
Arteta expressed his feelings about losing, saying, “I hate losing. He also emphasized that the team’s reaction after a defeat matters the most.
In all fairness, it seemed that Arsenal faced the challenge of playing against a physically superior team under the scorching afternoon sun. However, a reaction from the players, any reaction, could have sent a message to their formidable rivals. It’s something that their captain Granit Xhaka will have to address. Who will take charge now?
There is a need for improvement in Arsenal’s attacking front. The midfield trio of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz struggled to leave a mark despite some good moves and passes by Odegaard. Arteta knows that progress takes time, but he appreciates the positive aspects he saw in the match compared to the MLS All-Stars game, even if the results were different.
The 45th minute: A two-minute halt.
The 44th minute: Martinelli clashes with Saka, and the teams come together. Arsenal’s players are not appreciated for their physicality. But that’s Martinelli’s game.”
“40th Minute: Chance for Manchester United!. They are pounding the ball in front of Arsenal’s box, and Ramsdale has blocked a shot.
Goal for Arsenal vs. Manchester United
37th Minute: Goal for Manchester United! A long ball at the top clears out Gabriel, the Arsenal defender, and Jadon Sancho did the rest, defeating Ramsdale near the post. The stadium is buzzing with excitement.
30th Minute: Goal for Manchester United! Bruno Fernandes finds the net. From about 20 yards out, with no Arsenal player challenging, he takes a shot with his left foot that goes past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. A quality shot!
30th Minute: Goal for Manchester United! Bruno Fernandes finds the net. From about 20 yards out, with no Arsenal player challenging, he takes a shot with his left foot that goes past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. A quality shot!
7th Minute: Arsenal’s chance! Gabriel Martinelli gathers on the left and fires a difficult crossbar shot. He hit it well and took it from him.
5th Minute: Chance for Manchester United! A fast-moving Bruno Fernandes has the ball taken from above him due to the ball’s pace, and it reaches Anthony, who picks it up in the box but misses his shot, and the ball goes right.
2nd Minute: Tactical warfare! Let’s go there. When Arsenal has possession, Jourian Timber is actually playing in the role of John Stones, advancing in midfield.
Arsenal vs. Manchester United Kick-off
1 minute: Teams are on the field. Arsenal will be in their electric yellow kit, and Manchester United will be in red tops, white shorts.
4 minutes: The American national anthem is played when players are yet to step onto the field.
6 minutes: There are many speculations that Arsenal is actually going with three center-backs in line, with Jourian Timber being in holding midfield, alongside Declan Rice.
Mikel Arteta is trying to outwit Pep Pep. We have seen this with MLS All-Stars, switching places between Jacob Kivior and Gabriel.
8 minutes: Andre Onana is with the team and practicing. But he is not in the match-day list. Based on the team sheet provided at the press box, he will be the 24th man.
10 minutes: Manchester United was in the first place, and they were getting ready first to come on the field. Arsenal is still in action, so we are likely not going at the top of the hour.
32 minutes: Arsenal’s field players run out for warm-up, and everyone goes outside. There isn’t much space for warm-up in the lower half of Arsenal’s field. This is a big precision team.
36 minutes: Manchester United enters the Metalife Stadium from the sun, preparing for warm-up. Arsenal’s protectors are out, but no Gunners. The stadium will be sold, but right now, it’s about half full.
1 hour to kick-off: Line-ups for both teams are finalized. Newcomer Jourian Timber and Declan Rice are in the starting lineup, with Eddie Nketiah as the center-forward. Nketiah earned his place based on his performance against MLS.
1 hour to kick-off: Here is Manchester United’s lineup, with established starters like Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, and Anthony included.
2 hours to start: No surprises that international tournaments keep coming to the United States. Arsenal vs. Manchester United is expected to establish a record attendance.
Arsenal vs. Manchester United Lineups
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has made changes in the full-back positions as well as in the midfield three. Declan Rice (for Georginio) and Kai Havertz (for Leandro Trossard, who is training) get the nod alongside captain Martin Odegaard, who was on the bench in the last match.
Arsenal lineup (4-3-3, from right to left): 1- Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 12- Jurian Timber, 2- William Saliba, 6- Gabriel, 18- Takehiro Tomiyasu – 8- Martin Odegaard, 41- Declan Rice,
Arsenal subs (16): 13- Alex Runarsson (GK), 31- Karl Hein (GK), 16- Rob Holding, 3- Kieran Tierney, 15- Jacob Kivior, 4- Ben White, 32- Austin Trusty, 45- Amario Cozier-Duberry, 21- Fabio Vieira, 5- Thomas Partey, 20- Jo Origiho, 10- Emile Smith Rowe, 19- Leandro Trossard, 26- Folarin Balogun, 27- Markvionhos, 9- Gabriel Jesus.
After mainly fielding young players in the first two pre-season matches, Erik Ten Hag is introducing some of his stars who have taken part in the US tour. Newcomer Mason Mount starts in the lineup along with Bruno Fernandes, Anthony, and Luke Shaw among the players.
However, Anthony Elanga, who is prepared to go to Nottingham Forest, and goalkeepers Andre Onana and Dean Henderson are not in the team, just like the case with Anthony Martial. The only player not in the traveling group for the United States is Fred (personal matter), while Tyrell Malacia (injury) and 19-year-old center-back Rhys Bennett (injury) are out.
Arsenal vs. Manchester United Scoring
Manchester United lineup (4-3-3, from right to left): 22- Tom Heaton (GK) – 29- Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 19- Raphael Varane, 6- Lindro Martinelli, 23- Luke Shaw – 8- Bruno Fernandes, 37- Kobi Manu, 7- Mason Mount – 21- Anthony, 25- Jadon Sancho, 49- Alain Dro Garnacho.
Manchester United subs (20): 30- Nathan Bishop (GK), 40- Radek Vitek (GK), 20- Diogo Dalot, 2- Victor Lindelof, 5- Harry Maguire, 42- Alvaro Fernandez, 33- Brandon Williams, 46- Hannibal Mejbri, 18- Casemiro, 16- Amad Diallo, 39- Scott McTominay, 14- Christian Eriksen, 34- Donny van de Beek, 44- Dan Gore, 52- Omari Forson, 28- Facundo Pellistri, 10- Marcus Rashford.
