Manchester United face their first real test of their pre-season tour of the United States as they take on Premier :League rivals Arsenal in Los Angeles in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Erik ten Hag’s side have already had friendlies this summer against Norwegian outfit Rosenborg and Scottish giants Rangers but will now face the Gunners after making the trip over the Atlantic. Following the Arsenal clash, United will face off against Real Betis and Liverpool over the pond before travelling back to England in order to prepare for their huge clash against Manchester City in the Community Shied at Wembley next month.
Ahead of the match, Ten Hag highlighted his hunger to beat Mikel Arteta’s side, even in a pre-season friendly, as he looked to pump his side up ahead of the clash.
He told reporters: “We are very pleased to be here and to bring, I think, top Premier League football to LA. And I think for all the fans it’s a great opportunity as we are not often so close because the season doesn’t allow us to come over more often.
“But I think this is a great opportunity to to watch two of the best teams in the world. We want to win every game. And Arsenal will have the same approach against us. It’s a good test for both clubs, I’m sure both are very eager to win.”
With this window’s newest arrival Leny Yoro likely to get his second batch of minutes as a Man United player after his debut against Rangers, the clash with the Gunners won’t be one to miss as the 18-year-old looks to make an impression on his new club. Having been deployed alongside Jonny Evans last time out, it could be Ten Hag’s opportunity to see him paired with United’s other experienced central defender in Harry Maguire following his return from injury.
In terms of who else is likely to play in what could be a mostly-full-strength side, full-backs Sam Murray and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are likely to keep their place in front of goalkeeper Andre Onana in that back-four while a midfield duo of Scottish international Scott McTominay will get back into the starting XI alongside Casemiro as he returns from his duty at the European Championships.
Ahead of that pair, Amad will be a shoo-in to start after his contribution against Rangers. Mason Mount will hope to make a big comeback after a nightmare first season at Old Trafford, alongside Marcus Rashford who was left out of Gareth Southgate’s England side at the Euros following a torrid eight-goal campaign. Rasmus Hojlund will likely start up top.
Full Man United predicted XI vs Arsenal: Andre Onana; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Sam Murray; Casemiro, Scott McTominay; Mason Mount, Amad, Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund