With apologies to Alicia Keys, “in New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do.” Yes, Saturday brings a friendly between two of the all-time biggest clubs, not just in England, but in the entire world. And the Big Apple will be the setting. “Manchester United versus Arsenal is one the most famous and anticipated fixtures in the English football calendar and supporters from both clubs understand how big the rivalry between the two sides is,” said Manchester United’s Football Director, John Murtough.
It’s great to be able to bring this match to New York and play in front of what I am sure will be a sell-out crowd.
Old Rivals FYIs
Manchester United vs Arsenal Club Friendly
Kickoff: 5pm EST, Met Life Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Team News: Arsenal Man United
Starting XI Predictions: Arsenal Man United
Watch: ESPN
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
The first two friendlies this summer saw United field a very young and/or inexperienced side, but this match should be a little different. The travel party to U.S. & A. (Borat voice) includes more first team stars, who are now back after brief international duty. Their holidays after playing for their respective countries was pretty short too.
The likes of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Christian Eriksen are now in the mix, and should feature. A couple of them could even start.
Man United Starting XI Prediction vs Arsenal (Club Friendly)
Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Williams; Van de Beek, Hannibal; Erisken, Diallo, Mount, Sancho; Martial
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.