Manchester United kicked off their Premier League campaign with a 0-1 loss against Arsenal, where the performance was extremely encouraging.
A fast start by Man Utd was spoiled by the quintessential Arsenal corner, with Altay Bayindir bullied on the aerial ball, Calafiori heading in to give them an undeserved lead.
United looked shaken but quickly got their composure back, as the game settled into the rhythm of their possession and attack vs Arsenal playing on the counter and hoping for set-pieces.
They kept threatening but the final ball remained missing as Amorim rang the changes, adding attacking thrust to the side.
They piled on the pressure as Arsenal sat back but couldn’t get the decisive goal to win or draw level, but Ruben Amorim would have seen plenty to be pleased about.
Altay Bayindir of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Man Utd player ratings vs Arsenal
Altay Bayindir – 4
Unbelievably weak in the air considering his 6’6″ frame as he was bullied for Arsenal’s opener on a corner.
Leny Yoro – 5
Too trigger-happy with his slide tackling left him out of position many times.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7
Fared well against Gyokeres, not giving him an inch, even if it came at the cost of some scrappy fouls. A battling display.
More United News
Luke Shaw – 7
Best of the back three as he launched into challenges and gave Saka a hard time.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Surprise call to start over Amad and what he gave in defensive security, he lost much more in the attacking threat.
Patrick Dorgu – 7.5
Found himself in plenty of space down the left and struck the post. Bodes well for the season ahead.
Casemiro – 6
Had to do an extremely thankless task of covering gaps in midfield but fared as well as he could have. Even played some nice passes from the back.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Needed some more positional discipline as Mbeumo and Cunha were good threats forward. Left Casemiro on an island often.
Bryan Mbeumo – 8
His performance deserved a goal as he was electric from minute one, taking on his man every time and creating chances.
Matheus Cunha – 8
Had the Old Trafford on its feet multiple times with his ditzy runs but, like Mbeumo, a goal was missing. Old Trafford has its newest favourite.
Mason Mount – 6.5
Hustled hard in and out of possession and showed some nice progressive passing in a free roam role.
Substitutes
Amad – 7.5
Dovetailed nicely with Mbeumo and should be the starter wing-back, regardless of the opponent.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
Put himself about with energy but made the wrong decision on the ball every time.
Benjamin Sesko – 6
Had one headed effort wide. Couldn’t get into the game directly via link-ups/hold-up.
Harry Maguire – 7
Came on late to make a nuisance of himself and did an admirable job.