Despite losing to Arsenal, Manchester United fans might be going home feeling pretty optimistic for the season ahead.
Although Arsenal won, Man United were arguably the better team – Ruben Amorim’s side settled well and they did carve out the better chances.
Unfortunately for Amorim, United’s campaign might still be undermined by their goalkeeping situation – neither Andre Onana nor Altay Bayindir are good enough to match their ambitions.
United have been linked with Gianluigi Donnarumma at Paris Saint-Germain, but whether any pursuit would be feasible remains to be seen.
That being said, two of the big positives on display at Old Trafford were Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, and the pair have already begun to justify United’s investment.
Rio Ferdinand gives his thoughts on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo’s debuts
Speaking on his YouTube channel at full-time, Rio Ferdinand gave his immediate reaction to United’s performance, mentioning both Mbeumo and Cunha.
And despite losing to Arsenal, Ferdinand seemed pretty excited about what the future promised with Amorim’s new attacking dynamic duo.
Ferdinand said: “Mbeumo in the first half I thought was our most dangerous player, in the second half, Cunha, some of things he done today – I was looking at it going, when we get the end product out of these guys, who have proved they can do that in the Premier League.
Bryan Mbeumo shoots against Arsenal for Manchester United.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
“You add [Benjamin] Sesko to that, Mason Mount I thought was a big plus in the first half as well, in and out of possession.
“And Amad, coming in on the right hand side, against the lesser teams he will start at right wing-back, and he’ll be playing high and you’ll get Mbeumo inside.
“I saw enough today to fill me with some hope.”
Bruno Fernandes also gives his verdict on Man United’s new signings
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, captain Bruno Fernandes was also asked about his two new attacking teammates.
And, just like Ferdinand, Fernandes thought there were positive, ‘dangerous’ signs.
He said: “They created a lot, they were in the right positions. We know they are dangerous and they are a threat.
“We are very aware of what they can give to the team. It was a good first impression for them but I’m pretty sure they will do much better.”
"We created too many chances without scoring"
"We get better next time"
Bruno Fernandes reacts to Man Utd's loss to Arsenal in the opening game of the season 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ZeUqDwYHVa
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 17, 2025
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Before the match, Ferdinand thought United would draw with Arsenal, but he’s probably still feeling fairly positive despite taking zero points from their Premier League opener.
And whilst Amorim will never be happy to lose, the early signs of his new signings bedding in are promising.