United defender sent off as juicy details emerge of secret friendly against rival PL club – report

Manchester United reportedly lost 3-0 to Premier League rivals Arsenal during a behind-closed-doors friendly. United play Arsenal 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. Details of United’s friendly vs. Arsenal 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.” 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 #mufc — Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) December 6, 2025 As per Jeorge Bird, Dowman and Charles Sagoe Jr were among the goalscorers for the Gunners. Max Dowman scores; Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gabriel Jesus feature as Arsenal U21s beat Manchester United ​U21s https://t.co/JGMV6aJWle — Jeorge Bird (@jeorgebird) December 6, 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 The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!