Manchester United beat Arsenal 2-0 in New Jersey on Saturday night as both clubs continue their pre-season campaigns.
Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho sent United on their way after mistakes from Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel, with the Red Devils also winning a penalty shootout after the match.
The win was United’s third of three pre-season wins to date, after Erik ten Hag’s side beat Leeds and Lyon earlier in the summer.
They now face Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the United States for the start of the season, with friendlies against Lens and Athletic club also scheduled.
Mail Sports Chris Wheeler was in New Jersey to judge the United players.
Erik ten Hag saw his Manchester United team beat Arsenal 2-0 in New Jersey on Saturday
New captain Bruno Fernades (left) opened the scoring for the Red Devils after an error by Aaron Ramsdale
Jadon Sancho then scored for the Red Devils after Gabriel got the ball under his feet
BEGINNING XI
Tom Heaton 7 – Started because Andre Onana wasn’t ready to debut yet and looked solid. Highlight was an excellent double save from Gabriel Martinelli in the first half, as well as Mainoo’s point with a superb long ball leading up to United’s first goal. The only one of the starting XI to re-emerge for the second half when Erik ten Hag made 10 outfield changes.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 6.5 – Started off the same way he played much of last season, giving little away defensively and also coming forward effectively.
Rafael Varane 6.5 – Nice and stable from the French veteran. He’s done enough in the game not to try and tear up trees in the preseason.
Lisandro Martinez 7 – He rolled right back into it after returning from a broken metatarsal back in April. Tidy and typically tenacious, including a yellow card for a rather wild challenge on Bukayo Saka before the break.
Luke Shaw 6.5 – Had his hands full with Saka in the stifling New Jersey heat, but did just enough to contain his England teammate, producing a crucial interception to prevent Saka from going clear at the end of the first half.
Kobbie Mainoo 7 – Another assured performance from the youngster who has really impressed in the three games leading up to the season so far. His lung-breaking run-in to the right enabled him to set up Fernandes for the first goal.
Masonry Mountain 7 – Third start in a row after his £60m move from Chelsea and again showed he will bring a spark to United. He also has a bit of an edge in his game, as he showed when he flattened his old buddy Declan Rice and then jumped in to defend Martinez in a melee.
Mason Mount impressed again for United in his third successive start since joining the club
Antony was also in good form for United and played with real confidence despite missing an early try
Anthony 6.5 – Torn an early chance wide of the post from a great position but didn’t let it affect his confidence and looked lively after that. Just before the break still close with a nice curling.
Bruno Fernandes 7 – His first game since being given the captain’s armband permanently and celebrated with a fine goal in the 30th minute – although Aaron Ramsdale will be disappointed he didn’t keep it out.
Alejandro Garnacho 5.5 – Calm by his standards as the young Argentina international struggled to impress on the right. Stretched the Arsenal defense with a run towards the end of the half, but otherwise did little of note.
Jadon Sancho 6.5 – Played a false nine and justified Erik ten Hag’s with a superb finish into the roof of the net in the 37th minute. Sancho also impressed on the tour last season, but he really needs to get going this time, regardless of the position he ends up playing.
Sancho played in a false nine position and shone, but has to keep kicking during the season
REPLACEMENTS
Diogo Dalot 6.5 – Not as strong in defense as Wan-Bissaka, but better forward, and again showed that by creating several openings on the right.
Victor Lindelof 6.5 – Looked solid overall after replacing the injured Martinez late last season, and was equally reliable here.
Harry Maguire 5.5 – After losing the captain’s armband to Fernandes, it was notable that Ten Hag chose to hand Casemiro the armband instead of Maguire at half-time. Still looks a bit lacking in confidence.
Harry Maguire struggled for confidence after losing the captain’s armband earlier this week
Brandon Williams 5.5 – Only played once last season after a season on loan at Norwich and showing nothing here to suggest he will challenge Shaw and Tyrell Malacia for left-back.
Casemiro 6 – United’s captain in the second half, he’ll be happy to get 45 minutes under his belt. Another decorated veteran who likes to go through the gears in the preseason.
Christian Eriksen 5.5 – Resumed his midfield partnership with Casemiro in Ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1 and probably the player most threatened by Mount’s arrival. Missed the dynamism that brought his new teammate to United before the break.
Christian Eriksen resumed his midfield partnership with Casemiro, but is likely to lose his starting spot
Marcus Rashford was saved by the flag after missing a good chance in his first game since his new £300,000-a-week contract
Scott McTominay 6 – His future is still a bit uncertain going into the new season, but performed well here in tough conditions. Will hope to get more playing time in Houston and Las Vegas against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
Amad Diallo 5 – Lasted less than 15 minutes after coming in at halftime. Didn’t get a chance to get into the game.
Facundo Pellistri 6 – Didn’t get into the break, but was called into action when Amad went off. There were times when he looked lively.
Marcus Rashford 6 – First game for United since signing a new £300,000-a-week contract. Was very relieved to see the linesman’s flag go up when he failed to get close to goal at the end of Dalot’s cross.