Manchester United and Arsenal played against each other in a pre-season friendly in the USA. The clubs traveled to the States this week and were training in the mid-week to face each other off. The match was played in the MetLife stadium, home to the New York Jets in the NFL. Both the managers announced a strong side, with Declan Rice making his debut in an Arsenal shirt.
Manchester United came away with a win in the match, fending off Arsenal with ease. The Red Devils were comfortable throughout the match and were statistically the better side on the day. Manchester United continued their 100% win rate in the pre-season, whereas Arsenal fans were mostly unhappy due to their side’s average performance.
The match saw its fair share of peculiarity, however. Despite the Red Devils winning the match in regular time, there was a penalty shootout between the two teams. The shootout has raised eyebrows all over the world, with many wondering, why did it even take place?
Manchester United vs Arsenal went on to penalties despite clear winner
During regulation time, Manchester United came out firing in the first half with the midfield creating a few chances. The Red Devils scored 2 goals in the first half. The first one was a belter from Manchester United’s newly appointed captain Bruno Fernandes, who whipped a shot from outside the box, which Ramsdale was only able to parry inside his own goal.
The second goal was a confidence booster for Jadon Sancho, who capitalized on a mistake from Gabriel. The Brazilian defender missed an aerial ball enabling Sancho to run with the ball from the halfway line. The English winger had an option in the form of Garnacho to pass the ball, but instead belted one in Ramsdale’s near post doubling United’s lead. Manchester United maintained their lead till the end of the game, winning the game 2-0.
Even after winning in regular time, both teams had a penalty shootout. Tom Heaton was in goal for the Old Trafford club and saved a penalty from Arsenal player Fabio Viera. After winning the game 2-0, Manchester United also beat Arsenal on penalties 3-5, with United’s all 5 takers converting their spot kicks. It was a dismal performance by Arsenal, giving Spanish head coach Mikel Arteta a lot to think about before their next friendly against FC Barcelona.
Nevertheless, the penalty shootout has created unease among fans all over the world, who continue to wonder why there was a penalty shootout in the first place.
The real reason for the shootout
Many fans were shocked to see Arsenal and United having a penalty shootout after a definite result in regulation time. Both the clubs agreed to take part in a penalty shootout, with the two managers seeing it as a perfect opportunity to start practicing spot-kicks in front of a large crowd.
Manchester united Vs Arsenal will have penalty kicks irregardless of any winner
We really dodged a bullet because DDG wouldn't have saved anything tonight 😂😭. Another game to watch Ramsdesh save nothing pic.twitter.com/FXWw9TPB2t
— UTDLoyal (@UTDLoyals_) July 22, 2023
This was not the first time United had played penalties in pre-season, with United also playing one against Milan in the 2018 International Champions Cup. That penalty shootout also ended in United’s favor as a Frank Kessie miss handed United the victory.
So, it was nothing more than a practice session and a crowd-pleaser for both teams. What is your take on this? Don’t forget to let us know in the comments section.
