MANCHESTER UNITED beat Arsenal 2-0 in their first pre-season friendly in the US.
United dominated the Gunners at MetLife in New Jersey, and showed potential heading to the upcoming Premier League season.
The Red Devils broke the deadlock in the half-hour mark with a powerful long-range shot by Bruno Fernandes that Aaron Ramsdale failed to hold onto.
This came after some poor marking by Arsenal defenders Gabriel Mahalhaes and Takehiro Tomiyasu down the left.
United doubled their lead just seven minutes later when Gabriel lost possession in midfield and that allowed Jadon Sancho to run through and beat Ramsdale with a clinical finish.
But who stood out and who struggled for Man Utd? SunSport’s Neil Custis rates every single player at MetLife Stadium:
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TOM HEATON – 7
A rare appearance for the United No2 but the 37-year-old veteran remains sharp. He produced a superb double save from Gabriel Martinelli early on which had his team-mates patting him on the back in congratulations.
AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 7
It was an all action display from the full-back who constantly got forward to help the attack and even slotted into the midfield for a short time.
RAPHAEL VARANE – 7
A cool calm presence in the heat of New Jersey. He looks totally unflustered as he goes about his business of keeping opponents away from goal.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6
Nobody loves a tackle more than the fiery Argentine. But one caused a commotion when he went through Bukayo Saka causing a melee and bringing him a yellow card. He was quick to seek out Saka at half-time to explain there was no malice intended.
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LUKE SHAW – 6
The consistent left-back produces a fine first-choice back line for United. Like Wan-Bissaka he is always keen to get forward and service from the flank.
MASON MOUNT – 6
A quiet half from the new signing but did produce one great bit of combination play with Antony as he forged forward exchanging passes. Likes to be an organiser too.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
The captain celebrated officially taking the armband with the opening goal as he struck from just outside the area. Not that Aaron Ramsdale will want to see it again as the ball bounced up of his outstretched hand and in.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 6
These pre-season games can often bring an academy graduate to the fore and this year it is 18-year-old Mainoo. He has impressed manager Erik ten Hag enough in training to earn his chant and didn’t look out of place in this strong starting XI.
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ANTONY – 6
Ten Hag will be expecting more from his former Ajax winger this season after an up-and-down first campaign. He has the speed and ability but United fans will want to see more than just cutting inside from the right and having a go with his left.
JADON SANCHO – 8
With United desperately searching for a new striker they are having to mix and match at the moment and on this occasion it was Sancho put upfront through the middle. What a goal he scored too on 37 minutes taking advantage of a Gabriel error and race away to fire into the near top corner.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6
A lot of United fans rave about him but so far it has only been in late cameos as a substitute where he shines. When he starts it’s not quite as good as this game proved again.
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DIOGO DALOT – 6
Very much the understudy to Wan-Bissaka now but what an option for Ten Hag to call upon. He rates him, which is why he was given a new contract to 2028.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
It is a tough time for Maguire after having the captaincy taken off him. He is not happy about it and a move is on the cards, although Ten Hag says he wants him to stay and fight for his place. Did his job here.
VICTOR LINDELOF – 7
The manager says he wants four centre-backs fighting for two places this season and Lindelof is very much number three on the list.
BRANDON WILLIAMS – 6
Could be one of those on his way with little chance of much first-team action. But he produced a brilliant diving header in front of his own goal to deny Leandro Trossard.
CASEMIRO – 6
A quiet game for the 31-year-old Brazilian who looked to be struggling in the heat. Unlike many of his team-mates it looks like he is going to need a few games to get back up to speed.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6
His form dropped last season after an injury but looked back to his best again here operating alongside Casemiro. Although it looks like he’ll be the one stepping aside more often now Mount has arrived.
AMAD DIALLO – 5
Didn’t last long after an early challenge in the second half put him out the game.
FACUNDO PELLISITRI – 6
Came on for Amad in the 59th minute and nearly got a spectacular goal similar to Sancho’s as he raced clear and fired just over the near top corner.
SCOTT MCTOMINAY – 5
Operated in the Fernandes role just behind the front man but did not look as comfortable as he does when playing from deeper.
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MARCUS RASHFORD – 6
Played as the No9 rather than in his preferred role off the left and that could be long term if United cannot get a striker in. Missed a chance from a yard at the far post and will have been happy to learn he was offside.
OMARI FORSON – 5
The attacking midfielder impressed for the club’s under-18 side last season earning him a start against Leeds in the pre-season friendly in Oslo and then an invite out to the US. Will take time to adjust to his new senior team-mates.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
