Man United set to face rival PL club in behind-closed-doors friendly this week | OneFootball

Manchester United are rumoured to have accepted to play a secret friendly with a rival Premier League club this week, presumably to get some minutes into the legs of players who lack sufficient match sharpness.

Some United stars lacking match fitness

A number of United players remain well below the required fitness and physical levels after either long absences or a lack of game time.

United’s unbeaten run of five games came to an end on Monday evening as they suffered a 1-0 loss at the hands of Everton, who played most of the match while reduced to 10 men.

Idrissa Gueye was sent off inside 14 minutes after striking his teammate, Michael Keane, in a heated confrontation. United could not make their numerical advantage count, producing a tepid performance that left plenty to be desired.

Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo – two players who have struggled for minutes this term – both turned out against the Toffees. Zirkzee was named in the starting XI amid the absences of Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko due to injuries. Meanwhile, Mainoo was introduced as a second-half substitute while the Red Devils were hunting for an equaliser.

Both stars looked well off the pace, which is hardly surprising given how little football they’ve had this season.

Also in the matchday squad for the first time since February was Lisandro Martinez. The World Cup winner has returned after a lengthy recovery from an ACL injury.

The likes of Tyler Fredricson and Ayden Heaven have also seen their minutes significantly limited this term.

According to Arsenal Fixture News [via FourFourTwo], a behind-closed-doors friendly between United and Arsenal is due to be played on Thursday.

United agree to secret friendly

If the rumour is to be believed, the friendly will take place at Arsenal’s Sobha Realty Training Centre.

Kick-off time is unknown, although it’s likely to be after noon. Arsenal are using it as an opportunity to improve the fitness of their injured stars.

This arrangement was seemingly confirmed by Mikel Arteta, who revealed that there are plans for Gabriel Jesus to play in a friendly as he steps up his return from injury.

Arteta remarked, “He is quite close. Earlier than expected. In the next few days, he will have another step to make in a game we will organise for him and after that he will be knocking on the door.”

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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