United View: A not-so-friendly, friendly versus Arsenal

Manchester United kicked off their US tour in fine style, beating Arsenal 2-0 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Despite being classified as a friendly match, some of the challenges suggested there was still bad blood between these two long-time rivals.

United scored twice in the first half. Bruno Fernandes’ long-range effort beating Aaron Ramsdale who should have done better, was followed by a great finish from Jadon Sancho, capitalising off a Gabriel mistake.

This was the first time Arsenal started a match with all their summer signings, including Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurien Timber. And there were certainly growing pains on display as they struggled to impact the game. Then again, it’s only pre-season and they will gain familiarity soon enough.

Meanwhile, United who had already played two matches before flying out to the US, looked fairly comfortable. One of the standouts was 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who looked wise beyond his years in midfield. Definitely, one to watch out for in the upcoming season.

United also tried to impose a physical presence on Arteta’s side, similar to what they did in the league last season. With Lisandro Martinez being booked from a strong tackle on Bukayo Saka. Although I don’t think the word “friendly” is a part of Martinez’s vocabulary.

There were more cynical and clumsy fouls from both sides, with Harry Maguire and Gabriel Jesus also being cautioned. Also, Amad Diallo was substituted through injury. He was seen leaving the stadium on crutches.

But considering United face Arsenal in their fourth game of the season, perhaps there was more on the line than first expected. This fixture was often known for its physical battles and from this match, expect yet another when they both meet on September 3rd.

After their second-place finish last season and a summer of lucrative spending, Arsenal are firmly seen as the direct rival to Manchester City. This also makes them a target for teams like Ten Hag’s United, who finished nine points behind the Gunners last campaign.

Ten Hag will want to better that in the forthcoming season, hopefully, the signings of Mason Mount and Andre Onana can help that. Although the latter did not feature against Arsenal, it was probably too soon and unnecessary to start Onana.

Mount has done well so far in pre-season and will certainly offer lots of energy on and off the ball. And Ten Hag has stressed the importance Mount’s attitude will have on benefitting United next season.

When asked about a potential new striker, the manager said “We will do everything in our power to get the right man in.” It’s something that is missing from this United squad and with more players looking to be offloaded, it could free up funds for a striker, along with more midfield depth if possible.

Jadon Sancho has been operating as a false nine during pre-season which could be utilised during the regular season. But Ten Hag will be well aware of the difference a traditional number nine can make.

Rasmus Hojlund appears to be the name on everyone’s lips, but United and Atalanta are still apart in their valuation of the Danish striker. But a formal approach is expected to take place soon.

Harry Kane is also being rumoured, but with FFP restrictions it's extremely unlikely that United will be able to make a move. Even though Kane is Ten Hag’s first choice for a striker.

United continue their US tour against Wrexham and Real Madrid – both of which haven’t been played at the time of writing. It’s been a good start thus far and the foundations for the new season are there to see. Let’s hope they can continue to grow from this.