Man Utd and Arsenal trial ‘most American’ rule ever in USA pre-season friendly

Manchester United and Arsenal are set to trial what has been dubbed “the most American” rule in their pre-season friendly. The two Premier League giants will play out a penalty shootout regardless of the result at MetLife Stadium.

Arsenal have been in the USA for a week and have already played one friendly, beating an MLS All-Stars team 5-0. United flew to the States after they beat Lyon in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

Both sides named strong sides ahead of their toughest test so far in pre-season. Mason Mount started for the Red Devils, although there was no spot in the squad for new goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta handed first starts to his three new acquisitions, with Declan Rice and Kai Havertz lining up in midfield and Jurrien Timber at right-back. Shortly before kick-off, it was announced that there would be a penalty shootout even if the match does not end in a draw.

Read more… Chelsea ‘close to agreement’ with Kudus as Pochettino ruins Arsenal plans

And there was a similar reaction from a number of fans on social media after discovering the news. Supporters of both United and Arsenal claimed it was a very ‘American’ rule brought in by the match organisers.

@UtdEra_ tweeted: “This is the most American thing I’ve ever seen.” While @Gunneruni put: “This is so American,” and @Chuk411 tweeted: “What in the American is this.”

It clearly wasn’t a popular decision, with @Twinsena writing: “What is this nonsense.” @misplacedpass also wrote: “Americans are too funny man.”

It didn’t go down too well with the pundits in the MUTV studio either. United legend Denis Irwin said: “It is what it is. The match is the most important thing.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Don’t miss…
Arteta identifies next two signings but seven Arsenal exits must be done first[RUMOUR]
Man Utd set to sell an eighth and ninth star promoted by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer[GOSSIP]
Chelsea Mbappe bid ‘expected’ by PSG as French giants ready to sell for £87m[REPORT]

“Being very competitive and get miles under your belt. Hopefully, get through it without any injuries and get a very positive result. The penalties at the end of it… I don’t know.”

Danny Webber was more brutal with his verdict. The former striker said: “I don’t get it. I don’t get what it’s going to achieve. 

“Correct me if I’m wrong, even if a team’s losing they can win the pens and win the game? Is that the idea?”

Zarah Connolly presented the pre-match show for MUTV and she was not sure on the reason for the rule either. She said: “You’re asking me Webs, I don’t know, I don’t make the rules!”

Source: Read Full Article