Erik ten Hag makes blunt offside claim as Manchester United suffer 2-1 defeat to Arsenal

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has claimed that Gabriel Jesus was offside in Arsenal's equalizer during their 1-2 pre-season loss on July 27. The Red Devils played their Premier League rivals at the SoFi Stadium in California.

Rasmus Hojlund scored in the 10th minute to put last season's FA Cup winners ahead. The advantage, though, was short-lived as Jesus equalized in the 26th minute. Mikel Arteta's side didn't rest on their laurels and Jesus' compatriot Gabriel Martinelli gave the Gunners the lead in the 81st minute, which turned out to be the winner.

Ten Hag felt his side were overall the better team and also claimed that Jesus was offside during the equalizer. The Dutch manager told United's official website (via HITC):

"I think it was a very intense game, in a good level for the third-week in pre-season, both sides. But I think in the first half, we were the better team and we scored a very good goal. A very good ball in behind for Rashford and Hojlund with a very good move, run, and finish. I was very pleased. We conceded the goal and it's offside."

VAR wasn't in use for the pre-season friendly between Manchester United and Arsenal. The two Premier League giants, though, entertained the fans with a captivating game.

Manchester United vs Arsenal: What's next for both sides?

Manchester United are set to play two more friendlies in their preparation for the 2024-25 season. They take on Real Betis on July 31 before squaring off against Liverpool on August 4.

The Red Devils then play Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on August 10. United beat their city rivals in the FA Cup final by a score of 2-1 in the 2023-24 season.

As for Arsenal, they play Liverpool on July 31, Bayer Leverkusen on August 7, and then Olympique Lyon at the Emirates Cup on August 11. Mikel Arteta's side kick-off their Premier League campaign against Wolves on August 17.

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