Why Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag was 'very pleased' following pre-season defeat to Arsenal in United States

Manchester United dominated the start of the proceedings at the SoFi Stadium as Rasmus Hojlund's brilliant finish gave the Red Devils the lead in their first United States friendly of the season. However, Gabriel Jesus restored parity before the half-hour mark and Gabriel Martinelli gave Mikel Arteta's side the win on the night. Despite the result, the two teams then engaged in a penalty shootout which the Red Devils managed to win.

Speaking to club media, Ten Hag said: "I think [the game] was a very good level for the third week of pre-season, from both sides, but in the first half I thought we were the better team. We scored a very good goal, a very good ball in behind from [Marcus] Rashford and then [Rasmus] Hojlund with a very good move and a finish, I was very pleased. We also created some more good chances and we then conceded the goal which was offside."

On the penalty shootout: "It is important, as we know with all the cup competitions we are in. Penalties can be important, I think Andre [Onana] made two good saves, so it is therefore important to always have a goalkeeper who is good in penalty shootouts. He proved it once again and I think the penalties, except one, they were all good."

Ten Hag did have a few areas of concern during the friendly as Manchester United's injury issues from last season seem to not have left them yet with Hojlund and new signing Leny Yoro having to leave the field with suspected injuries.

Ten Hag said: "Of course, it is too short [to know about their injuries] and we have to wait over 24 hours, then we will hopefully know more. We were careful especially with Leny [Yoro] as he only did 50 per cent of the [training] sessions. He has to come up but let's be positive and see what comes out."

The Red Devils will have a short turnaround following the Arsenal defeat as they are set to take on Real Betis in San Diego on Wednesday, July 31.