by Manchester United’s first-ever US tour matchup versus Premier League rivals Arsenal ended in a 2-1 loss in Los Angeles, with both new acquisition Leny Yoro and striker Rasmus Hojlund suffering first-half injuries.
Hojlund scored a 10th-minute goal for his team, outmuscled Ayden Heaven, and beat keeper Karl Hein. However, he turned a low Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross wide and appeared to suffer a muscle injury after 15 minutes, preventing him from continuing.
Just three weeks before United’s Premier League campaign kicks off against Fulham on August 16, manager Erik ten Hag has already lost two key players in Yoro and Fulham. Yoro, who came to the team from Lille, required a lot of care before he was declared out for the day, demonstrating the seriousness of the injuries sustained the previous campaign.
Ten Hag stated that they would wait 24 hours for more information and were cautious, especially with Leny, who had to come off. Despite a positive start, the Dutchman’s satisfaction was not met with the outcome.
Gabriel Jesus scored a goal after 25 minutes, but Ten Hag ruled it offside. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner, and United won a penalty shoot-out with Jadon Sancho’s decisive goal, securing a 4-3 win.
Ten Hag’s unfortunate injuries
Ten Hag emphasized the demands placed on players this season, stating that the campaign would be a “survival of the fittest” and that injuries would happen. But the reality—that Hojlund and Yoro went down on their own volition—surpassed his greatest nightmares.
Hojlund and Yoro were injured, with Hojlund experiencing groin pain and Yoro walking slowly and in discomfort. Victor Lindelof was ruled out with an injury niggle, and 20-year-old Rhys Bennett took over as Harry Maguire’s defensive partner, having spent the second half of last season on loan at Stockport.
Ten Hag’s performance was largely positive due to the performance of midfielder Mason Mount, who, despite spending much time on the treatment table, showed a genuine threat in front of over 60,000 spectators, proving to be a valuable asset in the team.
Arsenal performing well
Arsenal’s Emile Smith-Rowe was left out of the matchday squad due to a proposed move to Fulham. In 48 hours, Riccardo Calafiori, the new signing, is anticipated. With England duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka returning, Arsenal’s appearance may change. Despite this, they showed fluidity in possession against Bournemouth.
Arsenal manager, Benfica manager, was frustrated when skipper Martin Odegaard was taken out by Bennett without a free-kick. Jesus appeared lively for Arsenal, and Martinelli, who returned from Copa America duty, was a threat. Jonny Evans, the only experienced player, took advantage of the Brazilian’s advantage to win the game.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praises Gabriel for his sharpness and changes over the summer. He notes that he has a point to prove and his appearance has improved, showcasing the team’s mentality and individual commitment to his performance.
What kind of surface did Arsenal vs. Manchester United use?
The grass field used for the game was specially planted for it, and it will be removed on Monday to make way for other events at the stadium.
When challenged about the move’s environmental effects, stadium administrators responded that while it was cost-effective, efforts to locate a different party to take over the pitch had not yet succeeded.
