United 0–1 Arsenal
The score doesn’t tell the full story.
I’ll be honest. Before kick-off, I thought we were losing this by two, Arsenal at Old Trafford, first game of the season, weakened lineup. But what we got was something different.
Let’s start with the one obvious mistake. Arsenal’s goal came from a set-piece where Bayındır couldn’t clear the ball. He got crowded, couldn’t move, and we got punished. Some say it should’ve been ruled out. Maybe. But come on, you’re facing Arsenal. You have to expect they’ll throw bodies in the box on corners. There’s no excuse not to prepare for that.
That aside? This was a good performance. A really good one.
Stat Sheet Doesn’t Lie
- 61% possession
- 22 shots to Arsenal’s 9
- 1.59 xG vs their 1.05
- 476 passes to their 296
This wasn’t Arsenal dominating a bottom-half side. This was United; last season’s 15th-place United, controlling the tempo and playing like the better team. Even Arsenal fans are saying it. Lee Gunner and AFTV both admitted it felt like a smash-and-grab. And that late Saliba tackle? Stonewall penalty. VAR didn’t even check.
Player Watch
- Mason Mount looked sharp in the first half. Kept things ticking, worked hard, and looked comfortable even in a weaker XI.
- De Ligt was solid. Some fans thought Maguire would start. But De Ligt was quicker, more composed, and clean with his passing. He should keep his place.
- I would’ve liked to see Amad at right wing-back instead of Dalot. We had so much of the ball, Ruben should’ve used a more attacking option out wide.
Cunha was fun to watch; dribbling, progressing, always trying to make things happen. Mbeumo too. We just lacked the finish. That was the only missing piece.
Midfield Concerns
Bruno had a decent game but he can’t do it alone. Casemiro had his moments, but he looks like he’s running on fumes. And Ugarte, when he came on, struggled to keep possession. WE NEED A MIDFIELDER. Someone who can control the tempo and actually keep the ball under pressure.
Final Thoughts
We didn’t just deserve a draw we could’ve won it. One mistake and some poor finishing cost us. But this was a step forward.
There’s something building here. If Amorim gets the pieces right, especially the midfield and finishing, we’re going to finish a lot higher than what most fans predicted for us.
Looking forward to his press conference. Proper buzz after that performance.
Till next time, Yanited, Yanited, Yanited.
UNITED SCRIPTED. 
Leave a comment