A brief Manchester United Arsenal match analysis which made the headlines. Arsenal got their Premier League title chase off to a winning start. They clinched a narrow victory over Ruben Amorim’s reformed Manchester United team at Old Trafford. Sunday’s match may have been the Gunners’ first of the new season. Arteta’s team picked up where they left off in 2024-25 as a set-piece goal brought the result in their favor.
How they settled: Manchester United Arsenal analysis
Ruben Amorim’s Man United came into the match with his usual approach of 3-4-2-1 where Matheus Cunha as No.9. Mbuemo and Mount were two attacking midfielders, Bruno in a deeper role. Bayindir started in the goalpost as Onana was out of the squad. New signing Benjamin Sesko was introduced in the 65thminute.
Arsenal started Viktor Gyokeres in the striker position from the very first minute. Martin Zubimendi made his league debut in a deeper and central role. Arteta relied on his usual centre back partnership- Saliba and Magalhaes with david Raya in the goal. They were lined up in 4-3-3 formation.
What Happened?
The goal arrived in the 13th minute. Altay Bayindir flapped at a Declan Rice corner. It gave Riccardo Calafiori the chance to nod in from point-blank range at the back post. United huffed and puffed, with their expensively-assembled forward line looking a threat at times. They could find no way past Arsenal’s famously miserly defence.
Old Trafford rocked as Mikel Arteta’s runners-up headed to the rebuilding Red Devils in the most eye-catching fixture of the opening weekend. Bayindir’s error underlined concerns over the goalkeeping position at Old Trafford. The unconvincing number one Andre Onana was absent as he works his way back from a hamstring injury.
🚨 Ruben Amorim made it clear in his pre-match interview that André Onana was fit to play against Arsenal. He just decided not to pick him! 🇨🇲❌ pic.twitter.com/vd66q6n1wd
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) August 17, 2025
United are a work in progress but summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo looked sharp on their debuts, with Patrick Dorgu hitting a post with a lasered first-half effort. Arsenal keeper David Raya produced a string of important stops to keep the hosts at bay, with his display helping Arteta’s side to victory. The atmosphere was as intense as United’s start as they flew out the blocks in the summer sun, with Mbeumo getting an early attempt on goal as the hosts bossed play and the early possession.
But Arsenal would take the sting out of proceedings with just 13 minutes on the clock. Bayindir flapped at Rice’s in swinging corner under pressure from Saliba, with the Turkey international meekly palming on for Calafiori to head over the line. United’s appeals for a foul as Arsenal scored their 31st Premier League goal from a corner since the start of the 2023-24 campaign — 11 more than any other team.
Brief Overview:
That moment seemed to lead to some of the nervousness within the ground that Amorim referenced ahead of the game. But his side’s refreshed approach and personnel helped lift the mood. Mbeumo saw a shot deflect wide before Dorgu followed a burst down the left with a fierce shot that hit the outside of the far post. Cunha looked like United’s biggest threat and showed tenacity and confidence. In the 32nd minute his rampaging run from his own half led him to burst through Arsenal bodies and get a shot on Raya’s goal.
The goalkeeper comfortably dealt with that attempt and another from distance, but he had to be at his best to get a fingertip on the Brazil international’s low drive from an acute angle as half-time approached. Arsenal were solid but unspectacular when the second half got under way, with Arteta replacing ineffective debutant Viktor Gyokeres on the hour mark. The Sweden international had shone under Amorim at Sporting CP and had previously been linked with a move to United, whose fans cheered his substitution.
United’s new frontman Benjamin Sesko was introduced to a huge roar shortly after, offering a first look at their rebuilt front three.
Author’s Insight:
This Manchester United under Amorim really looked convincing and strong. They can compete against the big teams easily if they are more clinical. On the other hand, Arsenal need to clutch in big occasions to earn the silverware. They need to be more efficient in scoring more open play goals.