Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal is challenged by Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC at Emirates Stadium
Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal is challenged by Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC at Emirates Stadium
Manchester Evening News readers have shared their thoughts on the recent clash between Manchester United and Arsenal, which saw Ruben Amorim's side suffer a 2-0 defeat. The match highlighted United's difficulties, especially in defending set pieces, with goals conceded from corners by Jurrien Timber and William Saliba.
Despite a strong performance in the first half, the second half revealed United's weaknesses, emphasising the disparity between the two clubs. Readers have shared their thoughts on the MEN's player ratings from the game as United slipped back into the bottom half of the table with a 2-0 loss.
United performed competently in the goalless first half but were undone by two corners after the break, with defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba scoring. Leny Yoro made his debut as a second-half substitute, but United's poor record away from home against top-tier teams continued on an evening that underscored the gap between two of British football's biggest clubs.
READ MORE: Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United highlights
READ MORE: 'A storm will come' - Ruben Amorim issues Manchester United warning
This is what our readers say about the match:
Onana
Garth123 says: "Onana in my view and I have been his worst critic in the past was blameless for the goals . They were well executed corners that other teams and not just United did not have an answer for. For those who watch football it is usually Gabriel who is on the end of them . This is perhaps after losing the game to 2 set pieces is something United need to look at in training. I would have given Onana an average 6."
Zirkzee
Garth123 adds: "I thought Zirkzee improved the game but must not be compared to a striker as plainly he is not . He is more of a 10 link type player and helped United in the second half with more forward attacks one of which forced their keeper into a worldy save."
Amorim
Jungle Jerry adds: "Amorim was right and Arsenal showed us. This squad is not ready to face the strong teams yet. Amorim has made a difference though. The team is already playing much better than the ETH [Erik ten Hag] days. It is still early days as the players get used to the tactics and style of play. Amorim has been trying out a lot players and replacing them as they fail to perform. I do hope that he will not be biased with Fernandes though. Fernandes had a poor game and yet stayed on till the end. Casemiro and Eriksen are much better midfielders though both are slower nowadays, as they age. Hopefully, Mainoo improves and Amorim gives Gore a chance as well. These 2 are really good deep-lying playmakers and can only get better. Collyer has the aggression and good defensive quality."
The match & team overall
Jungle Jerry had this to say: "Arsenal were testing the waters in the first half and played a cautious game. Arteta saw that they could easily outplay United and told the players to up a gear and off they went! Towards the end, United were chasing shadows and Arsenal had so much room to play. Still United defended well enough to stop Arsenal from creating goals from open play. Excellent set pieces from Arsenal though. United players just weren't smart enough to figure them out. The poor performance by United stemmed from a poor midfield performance from Fernandes. Ugarte had a decent game but Fernandes did not do his part. He gave the ball away too many times and practically created nothing all game. The forwards were starved of the ball and couldn't form any meaningful attacks."
Noronny thinks: "Mount and Ugarte brought tons of energy in midfield. They did their part. The defenders did their part as well. Maguire was fantastic and even De Ligt was more assured next to Maguire. Mazraoui is a revelation and is undroppable. Amad is special and perhaps deserved to start. Forwards and keeper had tough nights. Hojlund's work rate is fine but he's paid to score and that ain't happening."
Colin C believes: "The result could have been a lot worse and when you consider that this is the same squad that Ten Hag was working with to expect anything else is stupid. We were not completely over run or out played. Arsenal are a better run club and have been for years. They have a structure that is organised and settled we are just getting there. A lot of damage has been done to this club by the Glazer family and their mis-management, its going to take Ineos and the new structure a lot of time to resolve and undo the damage. Shame Qatar didn't get the club."
Sidhu48 says: "Man Utd, down to earth with a solid fall. The mistakes of ETH on full display and Amorim added one of his own to the list."
Jargonman adds: "Tepid performance. While I can understand the need to be cautious, we were lost when going forward. Not one shot on target from open play. Players that were awful: Bruno, Garnacho, Hojlund and Zirzkee. Players that were average: Mount and Dalot. De Ligt and Mazzraoui were good. Watching Onana take an age over goal kicks is becoming very irritating. Most of our problems stem from a slow midfield."
So what did you think of last night's match and result? Join in the conversation here.
Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!
Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.
Sign up to our community here, and join our WhatsApp channel here.
--
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.