**Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United have been handed their first loss, coming at Emirates Stadium, losing 2-0 against Arsenal.**
Arsenal wanted to fly out of the blocks and put Man Utd under pressure but nobody gave Ruben Amorim script as his defensive setup was perfect.
United closed spaces between the lines and tried to play in their three forwards as quickly as possible but couldn’t find an opening.
In an extremely tense and tactical first-half, both teams canceled each other out at 0-0 but Arsenal went in as the disappointed team as United nullified them completely outside of set-piece threats.
That set-piece threat is how Arsenal got their opener in the second half as Timber glanced a header in after they did their usual schtick of crowding the goalkeeper.
That is how Arsenal got their second goal as well as Partey headed at a clueless Saliba and the ball went in after hitting the Frenchman on his back.
Two set-piece goals and a 2-0 win is how the game would end as Amorim will be left with a lot of corner footage to sift through before the next game. An encouraging performance let down by set-piece fragility.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Here’s how the players rated-
Handed a pass straight to Arsenal but was let off due to an offside. Improved from that point and made a great save from Havertz in the second half.
United’s Swiss army knife started as the left-sided centre-back here and took to the position like a duck to water again. He was needed so Malacia could have some help with Saka and he performed that role perfectly.
De Ligt has been quietly impressive and consistent under Amorim and this was the game where it was on full display. Repelled threats with assertive defending and was extremely calm in distribution. Almost scored in the second half with a brilliant header.
Slightly weaker of an overall very good back three as he was the only one who looked a bit rushed and panicky at times when Arsenal pressed high.
He was barely involved as Arsenal attacked through United’s left and United attacked through theirs. Could have scored in the first half but his shot whizzed past the far post.
Had a baptism of fire for his first league start since his return as he lined up against Saka. Handled himself capably and a booking was the only blot on an otherwise great return to the league. Played a good 45 minutes before coming off.
Pressed hard and curbed his instincts to play the Hollywood pass all the time to help United retain possession.
Amorim’s ideal midfielder for a reason and showed here why. A silly booking for gesturing a card shouldn’t overshadow a confident display where he tackled and pressed everything in sight and ran his legs off. Even had quality moments in possession as he showed some press-resistant skills. A statement game despite the loss.
Didn’t get many chances to impress with the ball but squandered whenever one came his way. Worked hard but lacked quality on the ball.
Crucial to United’s pressing scheme and almost nicked the ball off a couple of times when Arsenal tried to play from the back. Less impressive on the ball.
A huge come-down after his heroics against Bodo as he was often left alone up front to make something out of nothing by jostling with the defenders. Struggled immensely before coming off without making any impact.
**_Substitutes_**
His usual tricky self as soon as he came on and fashioned a couple of chances through sheer dribbling ability and determination to win it back.
Not a good day for players with braces in their previous game as he struggled to get going alongside Zirkzee. Conceded the corner from which Arsenal scored their second and ended the game.
His first touch after coming on was almost an own goal. Was never going to be influential with United not dominating territory.
Had somewhat of a baptism of fire as he was thrown in when Arsenal were attacking in waves but handled himself fairly well on his competitive debut.
Came on late with the game done and tested the goalkeeper with an effort he should have done more with.
**_Manager_**
The result is the only thing that fans would be disappointed with because otherwise, this was a performance that promised a bright future. United were confident in possession, defended stoutly, and had a clear purpose and identity. Growing pains like this game will be there but the building blocks are clear to see.