ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Aaron Ramsdale should have saved Bruno Fernandes’ opener

Arsenal lost a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday night in the fiery pre-season friendly against Manchester United.

It was a physical encounter, typical of the fierce rivalry that has existed between these teams, but it was Erik ten Hag’s side that would take the spoils of the warm-up game, with new captain Bruno Fernandes inspiring his side to take victory.

The Portuguese midfielder would open the scoring with a low shot from about 20 yards to Aaron Ramsdale, but the ball appeared to catch a bulge just in front of the shot stopper, who couldn’t quite deflect the shot.

Arsenal were left shocked soon after, with Jadon Sancho taking advantage of a mistake by Gabriel to drive towards the Arsenal goal before scoring a superb finish from a tight angle.

Mikel Arteta picked a strong side for the game, which saw new signings Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber make their first starts for the club, while Kai Havertz also played 70 minutes but failed to add his goals after scoring 5-0 against the Gunners against the MLS All Stars last week.

Mail Sport brings you all the player ratings after the clash between Arsenal and Man United across the Atlantic.

ARSENAL PLAYER REVIEWS

Aaron Ramsdale-5

Should have saved Bruno Fernandes’ attack from the midfielder’s weaker foot, the ball landing from his palms into the net.

Jurrien Timber-6

Played in an unorthodox position, drifting into midfield. Looked calm on the ball.

William Saliba-5.5

No fouls for the two goals, but will be frustrated when conceding.

Gabriel – 5

Confidence hurt after completely missing the ball that allowed Jadon Sancho to score.

Takehiro Tomiyasu – 5.5

Threatening on the attack and quickly back. Although much of United’s joy in the first half came on that left side.

Declan Rice – 6

Was much needed by the backline to try and deal with the deliveries going over the top but struggled to stop them at source. Lots of energy to come back and spread the game forward.

Kai Havertz-5.5

Tracking was much better in the second half after not getting enough of it earlier in the game. Found it difficult to break the ball into the wide areas of Saka and Martinelli.

Martin Odegaard – 6.5

Some effective through balls and one of the team’s main routes to the opponent’s goal.

Bukayo Saka – 6.5

Energized on the wings, caused problems for Luke Shaw. Provided a few effective crosses that should have led to more.

Gabriel Martinelli – 5.5

Had a lot of possession in the first half. Should have scored when he had two straight shots on Tom Heaton.

Eddie Nketiah-5

Tried hard to pressure United’s backline with speed, but largely failed to get into goal-threatening positions. In the 51st minute he had a good chance that he dragged wide.

Substitutes:

Kieran Tierney-6

Added defensive solidity after coming on in the second half and provided an opportunity to get crosses into the area.

Ben White-6

Was wary of Marcus Rashford’s pace but could almost handle the pressure.

Thomas Party – 6

Added solidity and composure to midfield in his 30-minute cameo.

Gabriel Jesus – 5.5

Tried to hold back the game but was frustrated by the lack of opportunities to run down the defensive line.

Leandro Trossard-6

Quiet in the 20 minutes he came on the field.

Emile Smith Rowe- 6

Stuck, energetically trying to make things happen downtown.

George – 6

Solid and controlled. A good midfield option for Arsenal.

Fabio Vieira – 5.5

No moments worth mentioning, but only had 18 minutes.

Administrator: Mikel Arteta 5.5

Will be frustrated at how his team couldn’t prevent United’s deliveries from going over the top in the first half, as well as the attack’s inability to create many meaningful chances to score in the second half.