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Jacob Schneider

Gabriel Jesus looks back to his best - but Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund injuries leave Erik ten Hag sweating: Winners and losers from Arsenal's pre-season victory over Man Utd

The Gunners looked composed in the final third, but Erik ten Hag's fitness woes of last season show no sign of easing off

Hollywood celebrities came out to catch Premier League royalty in action on Saturday, with popstar Justin Bieber, Denver Nuggets point guard Russell Westbrook and A-list actor Will Poulter spotted amongst the crowd for Manchester United's pre-season match against Arsenal in Los Angeles.

The Red Devils fell to the Gunners 2-1, with goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli leading Arsenal to victory. The lone effort for United came from Rasmus Hojlund, who was brilliant to start the match until his injury-enforced substitution in just the 16th minute.

Jesus levelled the game 10 minutes later, but the winner came in the closing stages, with Martinelli bagging a lovely solo goal late in the second half to secure the victory.

The loss won't be much of a worry for United boss Erik Ten Hag, rather, he'll be more worried about his star forward Hojlund and new signing, Leny Yoro, who were both had to come off in the first half with fitness issues.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from SoFi Stadium...

  • Gabriel Jesus Arsenal 2024-25Getty Images

    WINNER: Gabriel Jesus

    Jesus endured a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, succumbing to injury, poor form and a fall down the pecking order throughout the season. Against the Red Devils, though, he showed exactly what he can do in Mikel Arteta's system.

    He produced the perfect poachers finish in the first half, sneaking behind the final defender and firing home before shushing the crowd with a cheeky celebration. It was a clinical effort and a top run.

    An ideal start for the Brazilian this summer after missing out on Copa America, too.

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  • LOSER: Rasmus Hojlund

    It's rare that anybody who scores a goal finds themselves on the losing side of things, but Hojlund's first-half injury could be a costly one for the Red Devils.

    He finished his goal well, beating Arsenal teenager Ayden Heaven before slotting home 10 minutes into the match.

    He departed just six minutes later, though, heading straight down the tunnel in discomfort with an apparent hamstring problem. Hojlund walked off under his own power, but if it turns out to be anything serious, it could be a big blow for United prior to the start of the Premier League season.

  • Mason Mount Man Utd 2024-25Getty Images

    WINNER: Mason Mount

    Ex-Chelsea man Mount logged just 45 minutes, as a planned substitution saw him exit the match at half-time. Despite that, he was the Red Devils' best attacker during the first portion of the match.

    He completed 14 of his 16 passes, created two chances, registered one shot on target and won 50% of his ground duels.

    After an injury-plagued debut season in Manchester, Mount looks sharp ahead of a potential comeback 2024-25 campaign.

  • Leandro Trossard Arsenal 2024Getty Images

    LOSER: Leandro Trossard

    Trossard's from Euro 2024 continued on Saturday, with a rather poor showing for the Gunners. The 29-year-old logged 63 minutes on the night, but was unnoticeable for about 62 of them. He completed just one of five attempted dribbles, struggling to make any sort of impact on the wing.

    After a poor showing with Belgium during the marquee summer competition, he needs to show Arteta he can still trust him on the left side of the pitch. Saturday will give the Spaniard little confidence in him of achieving that, though.

  • WINNER: Gabriel Martinelli

    Martinelli took his winning goal brilliantly late in the second half, securing the victory for the Gunners. He sent Jonny Evans all the way back to Northern Ireland after dribbling past him before firing home past Andre Onana.

    The Brazilian didn't have a great 2023-24 campaign, and found himself on the outside looking in for much of the Copa America. However, this was a brilliant way to kickstart some momentum for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

  • LOSER: Leny Yoro

    Securing a massive summer transfer to the Red Devils earlier this July, 18-year-old Yoro logged his second-straight start for the Red Devils this pre-season. He played 45 minutes before a planned substitution against Rangers last week, but his game against the Gunners on Saturday saw him exit the match unexpectedly in the first half. Just 35 minutes into the contest, the French defender was replaced after picking up an injury. He did manage to walk off under his own power, but there was a noticeable hobble in his leg.

    One of United's most high-profile signings this window, if they were to lose Yoro for a period of time, it would be a massive blow just over two weeks out from the start of the Premier League season.

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