EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Prior to the preseason exhibition against Arsenal, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made a point to tell the media that "we don't play friendlies."
The Red Devils backed up that statement with a 2-0 blanking of the Gunners on Saturday afternoon at a sold-out MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Goals by Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho in the span of eight minutes in the first half were enough to give United a third straight preseason shutout victory.
Both goals were helped by Arsenal defensive errors. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale saw the Bruno Fernandes shot skip in front of him and into the back of the net. Arsenal centre-back Gabriel whiffed on an attempted clearance, paving the way for Jadon Sancho to take it all the way.
There was hardly an Arsenal response to a Manchester United side that weathered a few early Arsenal chances by Gabriel Martinelli and then grabbed control of the game, including with physical challenges and quick transitions. Arsenal never mustered enough of a challenge in the second half, which saw the usual slew of subs.
It was a deserved win by United, which was the most effective team on the day, and with the best plan. Arsenal gave starts to new arrivals Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber, but none made an impact on the game. Mason Mount started for Man United, but he was also still trying find his place. New goalkeeper signing Andre Onana was in the stadium, but not on the match sheet for United.
Highlights (Rest of World): Man United YouTube
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