Exclusive: Full details on Manchester United playing Arsenal in behind-closed-door game

Manchester United have had a rough start to the season, having picked up only eighteen points in twelve Premier League matches so far.

With no European football as well as their early EFL Cup exit to Grimsby Town, many players have seen little gametime as opposed to previous seasons.

The likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee, and Ayden Heaven may seek temporary exits via loans in the upcoming January window.

Ruben Amorim’s side needs to start building a form of consistency now that we are heading close to the winter period.

The lack of consistency this season aligned with the poor performances is one of the factors which has led to a lack of the academy being used.

18-year-old Shea Lacey made his first matchday appearance, appearing on the bench in the Red Devil’s loss against Crystal Palace last weekend.

However, he saw zero minutes, and this has been a recurring theme across the season.

Manchester United’s U21s only have four games in the space of three months from November to January.

Sharpness is key for these young players developing; hence, behind-closed-door friendlies will take place.

CentreDevils understands that Manchester United are set to face Arsenal in a behind-closed-door friendly on Saturday, 6 December, at St George’s Park.

This match is set to be with the U21s, with a chance of senior players being involved to help with their rehabilitation process from injuries and with general match sharpness.

Arsenal sources tell us that the London club played Watford in a behind-closed-door friendly yesterday, with Brazilian star Gabriel Jesus being involved.

There is a potential of the forward being involved in the upcoming friendly.

This is a joint exclusive with independent Arsenal journalist well-known on X as HandOfArsenal.