Premier League clubs may be getting their pre-season campaigns underway in a series of friendlies, but there was little friendly about Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United.
The English rivals faced off at the MetLife Stadium in New York in front of a packed crowd as they upped their preparations for the new season, with United coming out on top, winning 2-0. Both teams fielded several first team players as their respective managers aimed to get minutes in legs, but they also had the chance to land the first punch in what could be a title race including both clubs.
United’s goals came from a duo of individual errors, with Aaron Ramsdale palming new United skipper Bruno Fernandes’ long-range effort into his own net before Gabriel’s error resulted in Jadon Sancho netting. That wasn’t the only action that caught the eye, however. A late challenge from Lisandro Martinez on Bukayo Saka caused tempers to flare in the States, resulting in a mini scuffle until the Argentina star was separated from Gunner captain Martin Odegaard.
Footage shows Martinez lunging in on Saka in the United half as the game moved towards half time in the game. United were already 2-0 up but the centre back, known for his aggressive nature, was taking no prisoners and went in high on the England forward.
As he almost took out team-mate Kobbie Mainoo too, the referee blew for a free-kick, booking Martinez for the challenge, though the 25-year-old was unphased. Odegaard was on the scene to confront his opponent, before several other players rushed over to get involved.
The likes of Mason Mount, William Saliba and Luke Shaw all approached the scene, but matters eventually calmed down. The game saw three yellow cards overall, with Harry Maguire booked for Manchester United and Gabriel Jesus also picking up a yellow in the game.
United will also play Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund while in the States, with the Gunner set to face Barcelona on Thursday morning after already beating an MLS All-Star side.
Share or comment on this article: Man United’s Lisandro Martinez lunges into a full-blooded tackle on Bukayo Saka before squaring up to Martin Odegaard in heated Arsenal clash.
