Details emerge of Man United’s 3-0 loss to Arsenal in behind-closed-door friendly

Manchester United reportedly lost 3-0 to Premier League rivals Arsenal during a behind-closed-doors friendly.

United are still searching for the consistency needed to mount a serious challenge for a Champions League place.

Although results have shown a slight improvement since early October, United’s recurring failure to see out games has proved costly in recent weeks, the 1-1 draw against West Ham being a prime example.

The Red Devils took the lead in the 58th minute but they took their foot off the gas and allowed the Hammers a route back into the match. Soungoutou Magassa’s 83rd-minute equaliser ensured the spoils were shared between the two sides at Old Trafford.

Slightly over a week ago, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United had agreed to play a secret friendly against Arsenal.

It was stated that the meeting would take place at Arsenal’s Sobha Realty Training Centre.

This was subsequently confirmed by Mikel Arteta, who said that the contest had been organised to help returning players like Gabriel Jesus regain match fitness after lengthy periods on the sidelines.

Now, the Daily Mail’s Nathan Salt has revealed that the friendly took place, but United lost 3-0.

Salt wrote on X, “Exc: Understand Man Utd U21s lost 3-0 today in the behind closed doors match with Arsenal.”

“Eventually finished with 10 men as James Overy was sent off for two bookings.”

“Gabriel Jesus, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Max Dowman all got minutes for Arsenal, I’m told.”

– Saturday, 6 December 2025

As per Jeorge Bird, Dowman and Charles Sagoe Jr were among the goalscorers for the Gunners.

– Saturday, 6 December 2025

It’s unclear at this stage which United players, apart from Overy, took part in the game. Amorim and his players are next in action on Monday when they go away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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Champions League Manchester United Arsenal Gabriel Jesus Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Premier League Max Dowman Charles Sagoe Jr

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