Our pre-season continued in the early hours of this morning with a very slow paced friendly against Manchester United.

On a heavy pitch with both sides fielding a 50/50 team of youth and experience, Man U took the lead on 10 minutes after Rasmus Hojlund outmuscled 17-year-old Ayden Heaven before sticking it between the legs of Karl Hein.

We applied the pressure in a game that became very stop start with plenty of late challenges. The lethargy of some of the challenges showed some players were not yet up to speed.

25 minutes in, Gabriel Jesus equalised following a good move that led to a cross from the left from Leandro Trossard. The goal reminded me of FIFA 15.

The late challenges from Man U continued as we headed into half time with the game at a stalemate.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first half – plenty of late challenges and Arsenal looking most likely to score. Leandro Trossard forced Andre Onana into a smart save.

On 60-minutes we made a whole host of substitutes as Arteta continued to ensure everyone was getting plenty of game time. The balance of the team stayed the same as experience was replaced by experience, youth with youth.

A brilliant piece of individual play from Gabriel Martinelli saw a cross taken off Kai Havertz head by Cristian Ericksen. It was great to see the German and Brazilian showing no hangover from representing their countries in an elongated season.

Martinelli then continued his sparkling cameo with a wonderful solo goal on the 80th minute, and the game finished 2-1 to The Arsenal.

Last season the Martinelli did not look as sharp and dangerous as previous seasons. He was often isolated and starved of the ball, and struggled to find the space he loves to operate in.

Whilst I won’t be getting too excited as it was only pre-season, his performance indicates he might be getting back to his best.

And playing Man U is a higher quality of opposition than Cambridge, Hearts, QPR and Vissel Kobe. Not sure why that lot up the road are hyping up a 16-year-old, acting like these were proper senior games against senior opponents. Mikey Moore might be talented but it is just pre-season friendlies.

Overall a good run out for The Arsenal in the friendly. We look like we have maintained the momentum from last season. Up next Liverpool.

Keenos