Manchester United won the friendly date against Premier League rivals Arsenal 2-0, but the game in New Jersey still ended in a penalty shootout.
Fernandes & Sancho at the door
Staged a shootout after the game
Eriksen scores the winning goal after Vieira fails
WHAT HAPPENED?
First-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho gave the Red Devils a morale-boosting victory over familiar opponents at MetLife Stadium, with defensive errors costing the Gunners dearly.
United also prevailed 5-3 in the post-match shootout, with Erik ten Hag’s side converting all shots from 12 yards out. Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Marcus Rashford and Christian Eriksen all scored from the penalty spot, with Arsenal’s Fabio Vieira foul tipping the balance.
WHY MAN UTD VS ARSENAL PENALTY?
Those in attendance were treated to a penalty shoot-out as before a ball was kicked it was decided that a shoot-out would take place.
Ten Hag and his counterpart Mikel Arteta were looking forward to seeing their respective sides train for penalties in front of packed crowds, as they may be in a similar situation when it comes to domestic and European competitions during the 2023-24 season.
New United goalkeeper Andre Onana didn’t get a chance to make an impression following his move from Inter Milan, with Tom Heaton falling between the sticks, but Vieira sent his shot over the bar as neither goalkeeper made a save in the shootout.
THE BIGGER PICTURE:
It’s not the first time United have been involved in a friendly on penalties, as they won 9-8 in a European Cup international against AC Milan in 2018 after drawing 1-1 against the Serie A giants.
WHAT’S NEXT?
United play another friendly against Wrexham on Tuesday, while Arsenal take on Barcelona on Wednesday, with both clubs preparing for the start of the Premier League in 2023/24. The Gunners also have a Community Shield clash with Manchester City before that.
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