In their opening match of the US tour, Manchester United faced a setback as they fell 2-1 to Premier League rivals Arsenal in Los Angeles. The defeat was compounded by injuries to key players Rasmus Hojlund and summer signing Leny Yoro, both of whom were forced to leave the pitch in the first half.

Injury Concerns for United

Hojlund initially gave United a promising start, scoring in the 10th minute after receiving a pass from Marcus Rashford. He outmuscled defender Ayden Heaven and managed to get a shot past goalkeeper Karl Hein. However, just five minutes later, Hojlund appeared to sustain a muscle injury, which led to his early exit from the game. Yoro, who had only joined the club from Lille ten days prior, also had to leave the match after requiring extensive treatment for an injury.

Manager Erik ten Hag expressed concern over the injuries, especially given the challenges the team faced last season. "We have to wait 24 hours and then we will hopefully know more," he told MUTV, emphasizing the need for a positive outlook despite the setbacks.

Match Overview

Despite the early lead, United could not maintain their advantage. Arsenal equalized through Gabriel Jesus in the 25th minute, a goal Ten Hag believed should have been ruled offside. Gabriel Martinelli then scored the winner after cutting inside rookie full-back James Scanlon. Although United lost the match, they did manage to win a pre-arranged penalty shoot-out, with Jadon Sancho converting the decisive kick for a 4-3 victory.

Ten Hag had previously highlighted the physical demands of the upcoming season, referring to it as a "survival of the fittest." The injuries to Hojlund and Yoro only intensified these concerns. Additionally, with Victor Lindelof sidelined due to a minor injury, 20-year-old Rhys Bennett stepped in to partner with Harry Maguire in defense.

On a positive note, midfielder Mason Mount stood out during the match, showcasing his skills in front of over 60,000 fans. After a season plagued by injuries, Mount's performance offered a glimmer of hope for Ten Hag as he prepares for the upcoming Premier League campaign, which kicks off against Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16.