Arsenal and Manchester United go head to head in a friendly match later on today. Ten Hag stated that Manchester United “dont play friendly games” which added even more fuel to the fire in the lead up to the game. Arsenal’s rivalry with United is one of the oldest in the game and today’s game will more than likely show it.
Both teams strengthened their squads this summer and fans, as well as Ten Hag and Arteta will be eager to test their teams out in what’s set to be their strongest friendly game opposition so far. Manchester bought in just the two players in Onana and Mount in this summer but both are set to become key players in their eleven for the upcoming season. On the other side, Arsenal brought in one more than their rivals but all three are big additions to the squad. Arteta will be keen to see just how well Havertz, Rice and Timber can get on versus strong Premier League opposition tonight.
Manchester United’s form (all competitions): W W L W W.
Arsenal’s form (all competitions): W D W L L.
When & Where?
DATE: 22 Jul 2023
TIME: 21:00 UTC
VENUE: MeLife Stadium, New Jersey
Team News
Arsenal
All of Lokonga, Holding, Zinchenko, Nelson and Leandro Trossard are doubts for the match.
Manchester United
As far as United are concerned – Dean Henderson, Tryell Malacia and Martial are set to miss out on the game.
Tactical Setup
Arsenal bought Timber to function off the right back coming into the middle and we might just see that happening today. It could be too soon for Rice to start the game but he’s more than likely to get minutes in that lone number six role today. We caught a glimpse of what Arteta wants from Havertz last time out and it’s going to be interesting to see the intricacies behind his role today as the left number eight.
Watch out for Arsenal’s deadly rotations up top, with Jesus at the heart of it. The whole attack seems to “flow” when he’s in the mood and today is likely to be no different. Can he add to his wonder goal from last time out today?
Man United on the other hand are set to welcome the ever-exciting Andre Onana into the squad today. It’s unknown whether he’ll start the game today but I sincerely hope he does, he’s undoubtedly one of the most exciting goalkeepers to watch out there and United have got a real coup by signing him. Mason Mount is still finding his feet but friendly games serve for that purpose exactly. With Bruno announced as the new captain yesterday, that dynamic with Mount will have to work if United want to have a successful season.
Rashford signed on with the club recently as well, agreeing to a mega deal until 2028. He’s turned out into a key player for Ten Hag’s side and with no new striker on the horizon just yet, you do wonder if he might play through the middle next year. Let’s wait and see.
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KEY PLAYERS
Gabriel Jesus
Jesus looks like hes back to his old electric self as he looks to get the season off to a flying start. Last season’s knee injury ruined his plans for a portion of the season but that looks like its behind him now.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno has been made United’s new club captain and it just shows how much Ten Hag relies on him. He’s their key creative force and he’s in for a big season ahead once again.
Predicted XIs
Manchester United’s predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fernandes, Mount; Antony, Rashford, Sancho.
Arsenal’s predicted lineup vs Manchester United: Ramsdale; Kiwior, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Havertz, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Jesus, Saka.
