Manchester United player ratings in 2-0 pre-season victory over Arsenal

Manchester United and Arsenal met in pre-season, reigniting the rivalry as both sides look to build on the promising strides made last season.

Erik ten Hag went with a strong team in the opening 45 minutes, and Manchester United should have scored early with Antony miss-hitting a shot that Bruno Fernandes handed him in the box.

It was Fernandes who would open the scoring on the half-hour mark, forcing an error out of Aaron Ramsdale with a shot from range. Jadon Sancho would double the lead seven minutes later, pouncing on a Gabriel error to race away in behind and fire past the Arsenal keeper.

Read More: Five talking points from Manchester United’s 2-0 pre-season victory vs Arsenal

Arsenal dominated the second half for possession, but couldn’t really break United down. Rashford could have made it 3-0 but didn’t quite connect with the ball. The score finished at 2-0.

Here are the full ratings from the tie.

First half

Tom Heaton: 7.5/10

Played the 90 mins. Some very good distribution moments, including setting Mainoo off for Bruno’s goal. Heaton also dealt well with crosses and made an excellent double save on Martinelli. Should have been given more games last season.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 7/10

Made some very good final third runs to support the attack.

Raphaël Varane: 7/10

May not have been chosen as club captain, but as always led the defence admirably.

Lisandro Martínez: 7/10

Watching him play football is fun.

Luke Shaw: 7/10

Technically brilliant as always and mostly handled Bukayo Saka well.

Kobbie Mainoo: 7/10

Seemed to advance a bit higher at times, compared to previous games. Made a clever run and controlled the ball well before assisting Fernandes’ goal.

Mason Mount: 6/10

Passing was a little wayward. May only be pre-season, but does not look natural in a double pivot.

Bruno Fernandes: 8/10

Marked his unofficial debut as club captain with a goal from range and should also have had an assist. Big season ahead for the magnifico.

Antony: 6/10

Missed a sitter in the opening minutes and messed up some simple passes. Needs to pick up technically. The energy was good.

Jadon Sancho: 7.5/10

Looks to be moving much faster this pre-season, which he showed when racing away from Gabriel for what was an excellent goal. Linked the play well once again in the false nine role and won plenty of fouls.

Alejandro Garnacho: 6/10

Relatively uninvolved, United did not give him enough minutes on the ball.

Second half

Diogo Dalot: 7.5/10

Won his duels and was strong in possession as always. Unlucky not to have an assist. Took an excellent penalty.

Harry Maguire: 7/10

A very positive performance – an admirable response to losing the captain’s armband.

Victor Lindelöf: 7/10

Solid performance, and defended his box well. Will again play an important squad role this upcoming year. Erik ten Hag will be thinking about him for penalties next season after some of his shootout takes!

Brandon Williams: 6/10

Barely even involved.

Casemiro: 7/10

Was bestowed with the captain’s armband in the second half, and played like a captain. As imperious defensively as always. Stepped up first in the shootout and there was only ever one outcome.

Scott Mctominay: 7/10

Lots of energy. If he stays, will be interesting to see him play as a number eight more often – his natural position.

Christian Eriksen: 7.5/10

Some ingenious moments in possession. With less demand on him this season, he could really shine as a rotation piece. Good penalty to win the shootout.

Amad: N/A

Picked up an injury not too long into the second half. Hopefully nothing serious.

Marcus Rashford: 6.5/10

Should have scored. United didn’t get him involved enough with less possession in the second half. Epitome of coolness for his penalty.

Omari Forson: 6/10

Brought speed and energy.

Facundo Pellistri: 7/10

Replaced Amad, and as always looked incredibly energetic and positive with the ball. Had a good opportunity at one point.