Arsenal 2, Manchester United 1

Rasmus Højlund netted his first goal wearing Manchester United's No. 9 shirt as Erik ten Hag's side fell 2-1 to Premier League rivals Arsenal in Los Angeles. However, United triumphed in the penalty shootout, winning 4-3.

Just over nine minutes into the opening match of Tour 2024, presented by Snapdragon, the Denmark international made an impact. After receiving a hooked pass from Marcus Rashford, he advanced from the middle of Arsenal's half, outmuscling young defender Ayden Heaven before slipping the ball through the legs of Gunners goalkeeper Karl Hein.

However, Højlund’s debut since Euro 2024 was cut short. After apparently getting his studs caught in the SoFi Stadium turf, the striker was substituted just 15 minutes into the match, likely as a precaution. Hannibal replaced him in midfield, while Rashford, Mason Mount, and the dynamic Amad continued to drive Manchester United’s attacking efforts.

Arsenal quickly responded with the next goal, as Gabriel Jesus took advantage of the absence of VAR to score an equalizer. The Brazilian was positioned ahead of United's last defender, Academy left-back Harry Amass, when he connected with a low cross into the six-yard box. Despite André Onana’s appeal for offside, the goal was allowed to stand.

Mason Mount almost regained the lead for United immediately with a fierce shot that Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein had to parry away. The score remained level until halftime, when Erik ten Hag made a complete outfield substitution and Mikel Arteta also implemented some pre-planned changes.

By that point, the Reds had already made a second substitution. New signing Lenny Yoro, who had been injured ten minutes before the break, was replaced at center-back by Rhys Bennett. It appeared to be a precautionary move to prevent further injury rather than an indication of a serious issue.

Will Fish, who replaced Bennett at halftime and has spent the last two seasons on loan at Hibernian, was among several Academy graduates who seized the chance to make an impression with the senior team. Another standout was Toby Collyer, who started in defensive midfield alongside Casemiro. Collyer demonstrated both composure on the ball and a strong willingness to contest possession.

Ten Hag also had a wealth of experienced options available on the bench. Antony, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Scott McTominay, and Jadon Sancho were all introduced at the start of the second half. The game took a bit of time to find its rhythm as the influx of fresh players on both sides adjusted to the match.

Onana, the only United player to play the full match, made a world-class save just before the hour mark to keep the score tied at 1-1. The Cameroonian goalkeeper tipped Leandro Trossard's powerful shot from inside the area over the crossbar.

United's No. 1 was spared further trouble later in the half when Jonny Evans, defying his veteran status, showcased impressive speed to thwart another Arsenal attack into the box.

However, the Gunners eventually found a way through nine minutes before the final whistle. Gabriel Martinelli, who had recently replaced Reiss Nelson, maneuvered past James Scanlon in the right-back position and slotted a low shot inside the left post, visibly frustrating Onana.

Arsenal emerged victorious 2-1 in the match, but United had the last word, thanks in part to another spectacular save by Onana. He denied Kai Havertz in the penalty shootout after Scott McTominay had converted United's first spot-kick to level Fabio Vieira’s opener.

Jonny Evans then put United ahead 2-1, and despite a rare miss from Academy top scorer Ethan Wheatley, Jakub Kiwior also missed his penalty. Successful conversions by Christian Eriksen and Jadon Sancho ultimately secured the win for Ten Hag’s side, with the shootout ending 4-3 in United's favor.

**LINE-UPS: FIRST HALF**

**Arsenal:** Hein; White, Timber, Heaven, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Nwaneri; Nelson, Jesus, Trossard.

**United:** Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Yoro (Bennett 35), Maguire, Amass; Casemiro, Collyer; Amad, Mount, Rashford; Højlund (Hannibal 16).

**LINE-UPS: SECOND HALF**

**Arsenal:** Hein; White (Nichols 63), Timber (Magalhães 63), Heaven (Kiwior 46), Zinchenko (Lewis-Skelly 63); Ødegaard (Havertz 71), Jorginho (Partey 63), Nwaneri (M'Hand 46); Nelson (Martinelli 71), Jesus (Nketiah 71), Trossard (Vieira 63).

**United:** Onana; Scanlon, Fish, Evans, Murray; Oyedele, Eriksen; Antony, McTominay, Sancho; Wheatley.

**Unused Subs:** Heaton, Vitek, Fletcher, Mather.

**Attendance:** 62,486.

**Goals:** Højlund 10 | Jesus 26, Martinelli 81.

**Penalty Scorers:** McTominay, Evans, Eriksen, Sancho | Vieira, Martinelli, Gabriel.