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Manchester United faced a 2-1 defeat against Arsenal in their opening match of the pre-season tour in Los Angeles, with the game being marked by injuries to key players Rasmus Hojlund and new signing Leny Yoro.
Hojlund, who scored the opening goal for United in the 10th minute by capitalizing on a Marcus Rashford assist, was forced off the field shortly after with a suspected muscle injury. The Dane’s injury occurred just after he missed a close-range opportunity from an Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross.
Yoro, an £52 million acquisition from Lille, also left the field due to an injury sustained during the first half. This setback comes as a blow to manager Erik ten Hag, especially given the injury struggles United faced last season. Ten Hag expressed hope for a positive update within 24 hours, stating, “We have to wait and see, but we’re being cautious, especially with Leny.”
Despite a promising start, United couldn’t maintain their lead. Gabriel Jesus equalized for Arsenal after 25 minutes, a goal that Ten Hag believed should have been ruled out for offside. Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli secured the win in the second half, breaking through a weakened United defense, which included 17-year-old James Scanlon and seasoned player Jonny Evans.
United managed to claim a consolation victory in the subsequent penalty shootout, with Jadon Sancho delivering the decisive kick for a 4-3 win.
Beyond the injuries, there were positive signs for United, notably the performance of midfielder Mason Mount. Mount, who struggled with injuries last season, displayed his former prowess in front of a crowd of over 60,000, showcasing creativity and attacking intent.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, despite ongoing squad adjustments and player negotiations, demonstrated moments of fluid and cohesive play. Mikel Arteta praised Gabriel Jesus’s sharpness and Martinelli’s immediate impact, emphasizing the duo’s competitive mentality and readiness to make an impact.
The game, played on a specially grown grass pitch at the SoFi Stadium, ended with logistical challenges as stadium officials sought an environmentally responsible solution for the temporary surface.
As both teams continue their pre-season preparations, the focus for Manchester United will undoubtedly be on assessing and managing the fitness of their injured players, especially with the new Premier League campaign fast approaching.
