Manchester United’s tour of the United States began with a narrow defeat by Arsenal in a pre-season friendly in Los Angeles.
Rasmus Hojlund had a lively — if brief — role in the game, putting United in front early on but soon being taken off injured.
Arsenal battled back to win thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli. Laurie Whitwell was at the SoFi Stadium to analyse the main talking points.
Hojlund worry after encouraging Rashford link-up
Rasmus Hojlund’s happiness at scoring a goal was short-lived (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Hojlund’s eventful 16 minutes began with him scoring United’s goal with a brilliant solo effort, collecting Marcus Rashford’s hooked pass down the line — the kind we saw several times last season — then outpacing and outmuscling Ayden Heaven down the left, before finishing between goalkeeper Karl Hein’s legs despite being clipped off balance to the floor.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was watching from the dugout and there were echoes of goals he scored against Fulham and Arsenal for United as a player. His influence on United’s forwards was obvious during open training this week, with little pointers to certain players. He gave Scott McTominay some guidance when one of his shots in the small-sided game struck the near post.
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Hojlund also showed great acceleration to meet Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross on a break. His understanding with Rashford was good, he went to the near post and Rashford ran to the far. His flick to Wan-Bissaka’s cross went over.
It might have been that run which caused the hamstring injury that forced him off, because not long after he dropped to the grass and despite treatment had to be replaced. It would be a major blow if he is out for any length of time.
Leny Yoro also went off, walking very slowly with what appeared to be an ankle issue. The pitch was only laid last week but it was real grass and stayed intact throughout.
Could Mount emerge as a challenger to Fernandes at No 10?
Mason Mount will hope to establish himself as a regular starter this season (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manager Erik Ten Hag said Mason Mount’s United career cannot be judged fairly yet because of the injury issues which affected his debut season, and while 45 minutes is equally not enough to make a different verdict, his performance against Arsenal carried the kind of zip to suggest his second season at the club will go much better.
Mount started at No 10, a role some of those who have worked with him feel is his best, and connected lots of United’s attacking play in the first half. That central position meant that more than once he was the conduit for fast breaks, getting the ball off a team-mate and releasing it quickly to the wings.
On one occasion he adjusted well to collect a Rashford pass and immediately feed Amad, who ran on and eventually cut inside to shoot. Wan-Bissaka’s underlapping run created the space.
Mount did occasionally drift out to the wings, and made a chance from the left by turning neatly away from his marker, sprinting into the box and cutting a pass back that Amad hit straight at Hein.
Amad returned the favour later, slipping in Mount, who shot from an angle and drew a good save from Hein. The technical ability Mount possesses was on display when he shimmied away from two Arsenal players to put Rashford away down the wing and he showed his intelligence by winning three fouls with sharp reactions to loose balls, getting his leg in the way of his opponent.
Bruno Fernandes has monopolised the No 10 position but he only returns to Carrington this week after playing at the European Championship and that might leave a chance for Mount to start the Community Shield in that key role. Having a genuine alternative to Fernandes would give Ten Hag greater scope for tactical flexibility and Mount’s display in Los Angeles was encouraging on that score.
Amad, Antony and the battle for the right-wing spot
Amad being selected ahead of Antony on the right wing felt significant, and this is a season when the 22-year-old should be making a real impression, building on his positive contributions in moments last campaign.
He started brightly against Arsenal, being involved in plenty of United’s moves, but faded in influence as the half went on. At one point he tried a crossfield pass to Rashford that was badly off target, drifting off the pitch. He looked so disappointed he switched off to reacting, and Ten Hag had to clap and urge him to move infield so the team could get compact to defend Arsenal’s throw-in.
Antony replaced Amad at the interval but failed to make any impact, more than once losing the ball when attempting dribbles.
United’s other young players had mixed experiences. Toby Collyer was again impressive in central midfield alongside Casemiro, his best act snapping into a tackle on Martin Odegaard as Arsenal looked to build through midfield. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wanted a foul, but Collyer got the ball.
Harry Amass also showed quality. The 17-year-old left-back is excellent in possession, a particular highlight coming when he turned away from three Arsenal players in midfield to beat their press. He did similar in the left-back area to start a good move.
James Scanlon, another 17-year-old, will have learned from his time up against Martinelli. The right-back could not adjust to the Brazilian changing direction to sprint past him for Arsenal’s winning goal.
What next for Manchester United?
Wednesday, July 31: Real Betis (San Diego, California), 7pm ET, 3am (Thursday) BST
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(Top photo: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
