Arsenal's underwhelming performance comes despite their extensive £200m recruitment drive, with new signings Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber featuring from the start.
Manchester United secured a compelling victory over Premier League rivals Arsenal in a hotly contested pre-season game at New York's MetLife Arena.
Boasting a record-breaking crowd of 82,262 spectators, the Red Devils triumphed in both the match and the subsequent penalty shootout.
United's talisman Bruno Fernandes celebrated his new captaincy in grand style by opening the scoring.
From a distance of 20 yards, Fernandes outsmarted Arsenal's goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, although questions lingered on whether Ramsdale could have thwarted the effort.
United's dominance continued as Jadon Sancho, playing in an unconventional false nine position, capitalized on a defensive blunder by Gabriel Magalhaes.
![Bruno Fernandes celebrates his opener in Man united's 2-0 victory over Arsenal in USA](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/22072023/505fd49a-72b0-4490-baeb-ef82ad83f80c.webp?operations=fit(480:))
Sancho demonstrated his speed and skill, seizing the loose ball to cover an impressive distance before launching a ferocious strike into the top corner to hand United a 2-0 lead by halftime.
However, the victory was marred by the loss of forward Amad Diallo to an injury just minutes after he entered the field in the second half.
Despite numerous opportunities, Arsenal struggled to capitalize on their chances.
![Declan Rice was a summer acquisition for Arsenal for £100m | Photo Credit: Courtesy](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/23072023/fccee08f-333e-4be8-adb0-420089ec5192.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
A late header from Gabriel went wide, and a potent attack from Eddie Nketiah fell short. Kai Havertz's header also missed the target, leaving the Gunners frustrated and goalless.
After the game, both teams tested their nerves in a penalty shootout, a joint decision from both managers to get their players acclimatized to the high-pressure situation in front of a crowd.
United carried their winning momentum, clinching the shootout 5-4. Arsenal's Fabio Vieira put his effort into the Philladelphia skies encapsulating a challenging night for the north London side.
![Jadon Sancho celebrates his goal for Man United against Arsenal in a pre-season friendly](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/23072023/93c81f16-6b27-4dfb-8794-f34f3cef6794.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Arsenal's underwhelming performance comes despite their extensive £200m recruitment drive, with new signings Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber featuring from the start.
Although the scoreline didn't favour them, the Gunners showcased their enhanced quality and depth.
For United's Sancho, the game provided a much-needed confidence boost after his omission from England's September internationals.
With his impressive performance, the £73m signing from Borussia Dortmund could save United money in their ongoing negotiations with Atalanta over Rasmus Hojllund.
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The two teams now prepare for their respective upcoming matches, with United relishing this victory and Arsenal aiming to learn from this setback.
Man United continues their build up to the season with another friendly against Wrexham United, co-owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney on July 26 at the Snapdragon Stadium, USA.
Arsenal takes on Spanish giants Barcelona in their next pre-season friendly on July 26, at the Sofi Stadium in USA.
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