Manchester UnitedThe American tour of Arsenal In Los Angeles.
Rasmus Hojlund He played a short but active role in the match, helping United take an early lead, but was soon substituted after suffering an injury.
Arsenal came from behind to win the game thanks to the goal. Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel MartinelliLaurie Whitwell visited SoFi Stadium to analyze the key talking points.
Hojlund has misgivings after encouraging Rashford to link up
Hojlund’s celebration after scoring was short-lived (Ash Donnellon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Hojlund’s eventful 16 minutes saw him score United’s goal with a superb solo shot. Marcus RashfordHis hook pass along the line was the kind of thing we saw so many times last season, and then he overwhelmed his opponent with speed and power. Aiden Haven Scored from the left wing between the goalkeeper Karl HeinEven though I lost my balance and was clipped to the floor, my feet remained steady.
Ruud van Nistelrooy watched the game from the bench and could hear the echoes of his goal. Fulham He joined United as a player and, although he was briefed on specific players during open training sessions this week, his impact on United’s forward line was clear. Scott McTominay He followed those instructions as one of his shots in a small-sided game hit the near post.
Going deeper
Inside Manchester United training: Ten Hag’s top-man talks, Van Nistelrooy’s influence and an incisive Rashford
Hoylund showed great acceleration. Aaron Wan-BissakaHe received a cross on the break, linked up well with Rashford, who got to the near post and Rashford ran to the far post, before flicking it on to Wan-Bissaka’s cross and sending it over the bar.
It may have been this run that forced him off with a hamstring injury, as he collapsed to the turf moments later and, despite receiving treatment, was forced to be substituted. Any lengthy absence for him would be a major blow.
Lenny Yolo Some people walked off slowly, apparently with sore ankles. The pitch was only laid last week, but it was real grass and was intact from start to finish.
“We have to wait more than 24 hours and then we’ll know more,” Ten Hag said. “We were very cautious especially with Lenny. He only did 50 percent of the sessions and it’s very disappointing that he had to take off after that, but we’ll stay positive and see what the results are.”
Could Mount emerge as a challenger to Fernandes for the number 10 spot?
Mount will be hoping to secure a regular spot this season (Ash Donnellon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Erik Ten Hag said Mason MountHis United career cannot yet be fairly judged due to injury problems that limited his debut season, and 45 minutes is not enough to rate it differently, but his performance against Arsenal showed momentum that suggests his second season could be much better.
Mount started as a number 10 and some who have worked with him feel this is his best position. Mount contributed greatly to United’s attack in the first half, with his central position meaning he was often the conduit for quick attacks, stealing the ball from a teammate and passing it quickly out wide.
On one occasion he adjusted well to receive a pass from Rashford and then quickly passed it to Amad, who made a run and eventually cut in and fired a shot after Wan-Bissaka’s underlapping run had created space.
Mount drifted wide at times and broke well from his marker to create a chance down the left, sprinting into the penalty area to cut off a pass for Amad to pass directly to Hayne.
Amad then fed Mount, whose shot from an angle was well saved by Hayne, and Mount’s technical ability was on full display as he dribbled past two Arsenal players to force Rashford wide, then showed his intelligence by reacting smartly to a loose ball, drawing three fouls and putting a foot in the way of his man.
Bruno Fernandes Fernandes has monopolized the number 10 position but is only returning to Carrington this week after playing for Portugal at the European Championships, so Mount may have a chance to take over the key role in the Community Shield. Having an alternative to Fernandes would give ten Hag more room for tactical flexibility and Mount’s performance in LA was encouraging.
Amado, Anthony And the fight for the right wing
It is significant that Amad has been selected ahead of Anthony at right wing and this should be the season in which the 22-year-old really impresses.
He started well against Arsenal, involved in many of United’s moves, but his influence waned as half-time wore on. At one point he attempted a cross-field pass to Rashford but it went wide and off the pitch. He looked so disappointed he stopped reacting, and Ten Hag had to clap to urge him further up the field so the team could compact up and defend an Arsenal throw-in.
Anthony came on for Amad at half-time but had no impact, losing the ball multiple times while attempting dribbles.
United’s other young players have had mixed experiences. Toby Collier He once again impressed in central midfield. CasemiroHis best performance was diving into the tackle. Martin Odegaard Arsenal tried to attack from midfield and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looked to foul but Collier won the ball away.
Harry Amas He also showed his quality. The 17-year-old left-back was excellent in possession, with a particular highlight being when he evaded three Arsenal players in midfield to ward off pressure, and he was equally adept in the left-back area, showing good movement as well.
James ScanlonMartinelli, also 17, must have learned from playing against him, as the right-back failed to react as the Brazilian veered past him to score Arsenal’s winner.
What’s next for Manchester United?
Wednesday, July 31: Real Betis (San Diego, California), 7pm ET, 3am BST Thursday
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(Top photo: New signing Yolo is forced off with an apparent ankle injury. Ash Donnellon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
