Manchester United faced a setback in their opening US tour match against Premier League rivals Arsenal in Los Angeles, as striker Rasmus Hojlund and new signing Leny Yoro, worth £52m, both picked up injuries in the first half.
Hojlund put United ahead in the 10th minute by racing onto a first-time pass from Marcus Rashford, overpowering young defender Ayden Heaven, and slotting the ball through the legs of Karl Hein.
However, the Danish striker later missed a close effort from a low cross by Aaron Wan-Bissaka and appeared to suffer a muscle injury shortly thereafter, forcing him to leave the pitch after just 15 minutes.
Yoro’s departure was similarly uneventful. The 18-year-old, who only transferred to United from Lille a mere 10 days prior, collapsed on the field and received extended treatment before also having to exit the game.
Given last season’s injury woes under manager Erik ten Hag, losing two key players in this fashion less than three weeks before the new Premier League season opener against Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16 is far from ideal.
Despite the encouraging start, the outcome did not please the Dutch coach.
Gabriel Jesus equalized with a close-range effort in the 25th minute, and substitute Gabriel Martinelli skillfully cut inside the 17-year-old rookie full-back James Scanlon to provide the winning touch.
Nonetheless, United succeeded in the scheduled penalty shoot-out that followed, with Jadon Sancho converting the decisive kick to secure a 4-3 victory.
