Last season was a poor showing from Manchester United despite winning the FA Cup. There could be many reasons behind this, but one main factor was the sheer number of injuries that kept some key players out for long periods of time.

Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo, Rafael Varane, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, just to name a few, all missed varying amounts of football in the 2023/23 season and the absences were definitely felt in defence as the Red Devils conceded 81 goals in all competitions, the most in a season since 1976/77. Unlike some others in his position, Erik ten Hag rarely complains about injuries or over scheduling, instead expecting his players to perform at the highest level no matter the game. However he won’t be too pleased with what happened in their most recent pre-season fixture.

Justin Bieber attended the Manchester United vs. Arsenal friendly and linked up with the Gunners 🥶🤝 pic.twitter.com/fjAnZ38yRK

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) July 28, 2024

Arsenal vs Manchester United Match Report

United took on Arsenal in the USA at the weekend and despite some promising individual performances, ultimately lost 2-1. Hojlund gave the Red Devils the lead within 10 minutes, but was substituted not long afterwards, apparently picking up a muscle injury. It is currently unknown as to how serious it is, but it is very likely that he will miss the rest of pre-season, and possibly the opening Premier League matches too.

Leny Yoro, United’s recent defensive signing, was also forced off through injury, adding to Ten Hag’s headache. Yoro’s injury doesn’t appear to be as serious as Hojlund’s, but he is unlikely to feature against Real Betis on Wednesday, which could allow Victor Lindelof back into the squad as he returns to full fitness. Yoro was purchased from Lille for £52m a fortnight ago.

Man United's newest signing Leny Yoro comes off with an injury against Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/djWD79rMik

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 28, 2024

Things went from bad to worse against Arsenal, as Gabriel Jesus equalised in the second half for the Gunners before substitute Garbiel Martinelli secured the victory with just over 10 minutes to play.

Ten Hag does have some positives to take from the game though, most notably Mason Mount who performed well, considering the recent setbacks that he has had over the last year. United will also be pleased that they managed to win the pointless penalty shootout at the end of the game. I’m sure that will be near the top of the list of their historic achievements.

Jadon Sancho sends Hein the wrong way and we win the shootout! 🤝

Arsenal ✔️⭕️⭕️✔️✔️
United ✔️✔️⭕️✔️✔️#MUFC || #MUTOUR24

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 28, 2024

In all seriousness I don’t really understand why they have penalty shootouts after games like this. It makes more sense when the teams draw, like when the Arsenal vs Bournemouth game finished 1-1, but it is still a pre-season friendly so I don’t get it.

When are Manchester United and Arsenal's next games?

Manchester United’s next game is against Real Betis on Wednesday while Arsenal’s next outing is against Liverpool in the early hours of Thursday morning.