Manchester United suffered a setback during their friendly match against Arsenal at SoFi Stadium, with new signings Rasmus Højlund and Leny Yoro both exiting early due to injuries. Despite the injuries, the game was closely contested, ending 2-1 in favor of Arsenal with a late goal from Gabriel Martinelli sealing the victory.
During a high-profile friendly match at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, Manchester United faced a troubling start to their season with injuries to key players Rasmus Højlund and Leny Yoro. The match, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Arsenal, highlighted ongoing concerns about player fitness and match intensity in pre-season games. This event drew a significant crowd and was part of a broader series of summer friendlies aimed at gearing teams up for the upcoming season.
Manchester United's match against Arsenal took an unfortunate turn as Rasmus Højlund, a recent signee, was forced to leave the pitch only 13 minutes into the game due to a muscle problem. Shortly after, Leny Yoro, another new addition to the team, also had to be substituted because of an injury. These early injuries disrupted United's strategy and added to the challenges faced by manager Erik ten Hag, who had previously expressed concerns about the team's injury woes from the last season continuing into the new one.
Despite the setbacks faced by Manchester United, the game was competitive, with Arsenal securing a late victory thanks to a goal by Gabriel Martinelli. Earlier, Gabriel Jesus had equalized for Arsenal after Højlund's initial goal for United. The match showcased a mix of experienced players and emerging talents from both squads, providing valuable playtime and exposure ahead of the upcoming season. The friendly also included a penalty shootout for additional practice, which United won, providing a slight consolation for the loss.
The friendly match was available for viewers on various platforms, with live streams accessible through services like FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, and SlingTV. The availability of these free trials and discounts for the first month attracted a significant number of viewers, showcasing the global appeal and fanbase of both Arsenal and Manchester United. This match was part of a series of pre-season games held in the United States, aiming to expand the reach and popularity of European football clubs.
The friendly between Manchester United and Arsenal highlighted not only the competitive spirit of both teams but also the challenges of managing player fitness during intense pre-season schedules. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, managing player health will be paramount to ensure they remain competitive across all fronts. The match also underscored the global popularity of these clubs, with significant viewer engagement and coverage.
"The fixture list, the load on the players is so high. We are not the only team with so many injuries." - Erik ten Hag