4 Man Utd stars dazzle in New York and give Arsenal plenty to think about

NEW JERSEY – Manchester United beat Arsenal 2-0 in their first real preseason test. Capitalising on two mistakes, goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho secured the win in front of an 82,262 attendance at the MetLife Stadium.

Both goals came in the first half as manager Erik ten Hag selected an entirely different outfield 10 for the second half. Arsenal, who initially started the better of the two sides, faded as the contest went on and struggled to really threaten their opponents.

There was no debut for new signing Ande Onana, despite the goalkeeper rushing to meet his new colleagues in the United States, as he’s only had one training session and requires more time to bed in. But out of those who did play, four United players in particular impressed…while two Arsenal players had an evening to forget.

Kobbie Mainoo

Despite Arsenal paying a British record fee for Declan Rice and United spending a good $75 million on Mason Mount, it was Mainoo who looked like the star summer signing. The 18-year-old played superbly in the Casemiro role, sitting deep – sometimes even alongside the defense – and transitioning the play to offense quickly.

Mainoo did well under the attacking speed of Gabriel Martinelli when asked and often look composed even when under pressure. And going forward wasn’t a problem either, often exploiting space on the right flank.

He was heavily involved in a move that Antony should have scored and did even better in the build-up for Fernandes’ goal. Even captain Bruno said a special thanks to him during the celebration.

Lisandro Martinez

Long gone are the days of concerns over Martinez’s height. The Argentine’s arrival at Old Trafford was transformative last season.

And if any Arsenal player thought Martinez was going to go lightly in a friendly, they were sorely mistaken. The 25-year-old crunched through the back of Nketiah on more than one occasion – sometimes getting the ball, sometimes getting the man.

But Arteta’s striker of choice stood little chance in either scenario. And it wasn’t just all physical from the defender either. Martinez’s short or long passing either got United out of trouble or put Arsenal in it. He’s a real asset for the club.

Jadon Sancho

If there’s one man who needs to prove himself other than Harry Maguire then it’s Sancho. After another disappointing season at the club it feels as though this season, if not this summer, is his last chance.

Ten Hag has already shown ruthlessness to part with players not up to scratch and Sancho must take every opportunity he gets. Deployed in a false nine position, in which he didn’t look totally comfortable, Sancho did the job well. He stayed strong when needing to hold the ball up and used his quick feet to bring others into the attack.

His highlight, of course, was the goal. Taking advantage of Gabriel’s mistake the 23-year-old showed a turn of pace not many thought he had. He raced away from the defenders and smashed the ball past Ramsdale. This is more like the Sancho United signed.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Wan-Bissaka’s career-saving form at United is continuing. Brought back into the fold last season the right-back grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

While there were no doubts over his one-on-one defending, there were tonnes over his attacking ability. And there were also concerns over his awareness, often forgetting to mark his man at the back post.

But the 25-year-old showed the same kind of confidence against Arsenal as the one he recaptured last season. Getting involved in intricate pieces of play, ball juggling while on the floor and getting himself forward – Wan-Bissaka showed his versatility. Given United’s tight budget this summer, Ten Hag will be relieved by his form.

Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel Magalhaes

For a goalkeeper who has come in and performed so consistently well, Ramsdale’s mistake for the Fernandes goal was out of character. There are no two ways about it, he should have done better. The new United captain struck the ball with his weaker foot and Ramsdale’s attempt to parry the strike ended up with the ball hitting his hands and going in the net.

As for Gabriel, one mistake is sadly all it takes. The Brazilian was having a good game prior to his air-kick. Looking solid at the back, he covered Wan-Bissaka well when it looked like he was through on goal and headed the ball clear of danger just moments before.

But any mistake that leads to a goal is enough to cost his team and Arsenal never looked like clawing back the two-goal deficit.