Ten Hag on Rashford Return; Man City Reject Barcelona; Arsenal Claim Community Shield
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Manchester United's preseason ended with a 4-2 loss to AC Milan, a team now managed by former United boss Ruben Amorim, who had previously marginalized both Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo during his brief tenure. Rashford made his return to action wearing the number 9 shirt after a 20-month absence, while Mainoo also featured as a substitute. Manager Erik ten Hag remained defiant despite the defeat, insisting the team is ready for the Premier League opener against Hull City. Arsenal, meanwhile, secured their 18th Community Shield title with a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester City, providing a strong statement ahead of the new season under new City manager Enzo Maresca. Barcelona's renewed efforts to sign Rodri from Manchester City were rebuffed, despite increasing their offer to £55 million. Cristiano Ronaldo, recently married, showcased a new hairstyle as he prepares for Al-Nassr's season-opening match against Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.
Key Points
- Manchester United twice took the lead against AC Milan but ultimately lost 4-2 in their final preseason fixture
- Rashford made his comeback after 20 months without playing for United, wearing a temporary number 9 shirt
- Ten Hag stated he will treat Rashford fairly as both former teammates and manager-player relationship
- Arsenal defeated Man City 3-0 in the Community Shield at Cardiff City Stadium, with goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard
- Man City rejected Barcelona's second bid for Rodri despite the offer being raised to £55 million
- Ten Hag expressed confidence about the team being mentally prepared despite the preseason defeat
- New signing Elliot Anderson started for Man City in his £116 million debut, while Donnarumma kept goal
- Arsenal's Christos Tzolis provided two assists and manager Arteta praised his composure and decision-making
Why It Matters
Ten Hag's insistence that the team is ready despite the Milan defeat sets a confident tone for United's season opener against Hull City, with only five days of intensive training remaining to address defensive vulnerabilities exposed in preseason . Arsenal's emphatic victory signals their intent to challenge for the Premier League title, while Man City's first defeat under new manager Maresca raises questions about their defensive organization and the impact of major new signings .
Ten Hag's insistence that the team is ready despite the Milan defeat sets a confident tone for United's season opener against Hull City, with only five days of intensive training remaining to address defensive vulnerabilities exposed in preseason . Arsenal's emphatic victory signals their intent to challenge for the Premier League title, while Man City's first defeat under new manager Maresca raises questions about their defensive organization and the impact of major new signings .