Manchester United's US tour opener ended in a 2-1 defeat against Premier League rivals Arsenal in Los Angeles, with strikers Rasmus Hojlund and new £52m signing Leny Yoro both sustaining first-half injuries.
Hojlund gave United an early lead in the 10th minute, latching onto Marcus Rashford’s pass, overpowering defender Ayden Heaven, and slotting the ball through keeper Karl Hein’s legs. However, he missed a close-range chance from an Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross and was forced off with a muscle injury after 15 minutes.
Yoro, an 18-year-old defender recently signed from Lille, also left the field due to an innocuous injury after receiving lengthy treatment.
The injuries are a concern for manager Erik ten Hag, especially after a season plagued by injuries. With the Premier League opener against Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16th approaching, the timing is far from ideal.
“We have to wait 24 hours and then we will hopefully know more,” Ten Hag told MUTV. “We were very careful, especially with Leny. It is disappointing he had to come off, but let’s be positive and see what comes out.”
Despite a strong start, the result was disappointing for Ten Hag. Gabriel Jesus equalized in the 25th minute with a goal Ten Hag believed should have been ruled offside. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli then scored the winner, cutting inside 17-year-old rookie full-back James Scanlon.
United did manage to win a pre-arranged penalty shoot-out that followed, with Jadon Sancho securing a 4-3 victory with the decisive spot-kick.
