Manchester United lost to Arsenal on the opening weekend of the Premier Leagueplaceholder image
Manchester United lost to Arsenal on the opening weekend of the Premier League | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Man Utd talking points and match highlights from the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal FC in the Premier League.
Andre Onana was confident he would be back in goal for Manchester United against Arsenal. He wasn't even in the matchday squad. The Cameroonian missed the entire pre-season schedule and Ruben Amorim did not think it was worth risking him given his recent lack of match sharpness.
It wasn't so much a test of faith in Altay Bayindir to replace him, more so desperation that he is still the best option they have in reserve. United wanted to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, but with just two weeks left of the window, they haven't managed to do so.
Onana is expected to miss a handful of matches at the Africa Cup of Nations later this year, which means there is an even greater need for a suitable replacement while he is away. Bayindir had a chance to prove his doubters wrong, but all he did was reinforce why he has so many.
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What was so frustrating was that the signs of improvement were there. Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha look like great additions to the squad, but in their pursuit of adding more goals to the forward line, Amorim has neglected the desperate need to stop them going in so cheaply at the other end.
Midfield shortage
The other key selection decision Ruben Amorim had to make was who would start in central midfield. Bruno Fernandes had to drop into a deeper role to accommodate the new attacking arrivals, and there is no obvious partner for him in the heart of the team.
Manuel Ugarte ended pre-season poorly, Kobbie Mainoo is not defensively disciplined enough and Casemiro played at testimonial pace in almost every domestic match last season. There might not have been any correct solution to the conundrum, against the energy and enterprise of Arsenal it was most certainly not Casemiro. Or Ugarte.
The 33-year-old was left for dead on several occasions and struggled to hold his position in a match that quickly went from one end to another. It was further evidence of why United wanted Carlos Baleba this summer, but with just two weeks until deadline day, time is running out to find an alternative. Amorim has been given four new signings, and the Arsenal performance proved that he needs at least six.
How much longer for Hojlund
If Rasmus Hojlund still thought he might have a slim chance of a Manchester United future, the team news to face Arsenal was further evidence he doesn't. Benjamin Sesko was named on the bench, Matheus Cunha was selected as a false nine and Hojlund wasn't even in the matchday squad.
The Danish striker has shown more fight off the pitch than he has done on it, but Ruben Amorim has clearly made his mind up and does not see a future for him at the club. It is hard to see how Hojlund will be able to change that, particularly when he isn't even in the squad with a chance to do so on the pitch.
What will frustrate him even more is that for much of the Arsenal clash the lack of a focal point in the forward line was detrimental to their performance. While it is true he struggled for so much of last season, he can rightfully argue he did not get to play alongside the creativity of players like Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha. Not that many will listen to any such complaints.
Dorgu development
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will grab all the positive Manchester United headlines, but Patrick Dorgu also deserves plenty of praise after an impressive performance against Arsenal. It is easy to forget just how raw a talent the 20-year-old is after a chastening half-season at the club in which they rarely functioned as a team.
Dorgu was described as a 'world-class' talent when he joined from Lecce back in the winter window, though his quality is only potential, and he will only fulfil in the right environment. United were not that under Ruben Amorim last season but look a lot closer to it after a productive summer.
The Danish defender was arguably their star performer of the recent US Tour and he showed signs of genuine progress with a performance of similar quality in the Premier League. Dorgu was a constant menace down the left wing and almost grabbed a spectacular goal when he fired an effort against the post from distance. He's not quite there yet, though there are clear signs of improvement.
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