United Beyond Manchester

Ruben Amorim tasted defeat for the first time as the Manchester United manager after a disappointing second half at Arsenal. In the following discussion, we will highlight which Reds struggled during the game and which ones made a positive impact despite the loss.

Starting Eleven

Andre Onana: 6 – In Arsenal’s set-piece tactics, Onana is reliant on the defenders in front of him to clear the ball, as he is often boxed into his goalmouth. Unfortunately, those defenders let him down today. Although he conceded two goals, the Cameroonian made four saves and should not hang his head.

Noussair Mazraoui: 6 – Mazraoui was solid, though he was uncomfortable at times playing off the left. With Lisandro Martinez returning from suspension, this should be a one-time deal.

Matthijs De Ligt: 6 -De Ligt continues to play confidently in Amorim’s back three. However, one question must be asked: should the Dutchman have been marking William Saliba on corners?

Harry Maguire: 7 – Maguire received a spot start with Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw out. The big center-back was impressive, winning three duels and completing 96% of his passes.

Tyrell Malacia: 6 – Tyrell Malacia is still getting his feet under him after missing all of last season. In a tough assignment against Bukayo Saka, the 25-year-old kept the Arsenal star quiet.

Manuel Ugarte: 7 – Ugarte broke Arsenal’s attacks up well and helped keep Martin Odegaard at bay. The Uruguayan international won nine total duels, completed three tackles, and intercepted two passes.

Mason Mount: 5 – Mason Mount has a place in Amorim’s tactics. However, he ended the day with just 15 touches in 68 minutes. The former Chelsea man needs to become more influential if he wants to start more often.

Diogo Dalot: 5 – Dalot has had better days and was not particularly effective at right-wing-back. He was unable to complete a cross, and neither of his shots were on target. Amad Diallo had a bigger influence after coming on.

Bruno Fernandes: 5 – Bruno Fernandes controlled the match in the first half but was unable to make the decisive play in attack. The captain made two key passes but lost possession twelve times and was repeatedly dribbled past in midfield.

Alejandro Garnacho: 5 – Garnacho struggled to affect the attack, as neither of his crosses were successful. The talented Argentine needs to find ways to connect better with other United forwards.

Rasmus Hojlund: 4 – Hojlund held the ball up well at times in transition, but he failed at his task of marking Saliba on corners. He was in the thick of both Arsenal goals before being substituted. No shots on Arsenal’s goal is unacceptable, even if service was lacking.

Substitutes

Amad Diallo: 7 – Manchester United’s attack is simply better with Amad on the field. He drew a foul from Zinchenko when the match was 1-0 that earned United a free kick, which almost created a leveler. He should be on from the start against Forest on Saturday.

Marcus Rashford: 5 – Rashford was unable to keep his momentum going while coming off the bench. He will likely rotate back in for Nottingham Forest after Garnacho’s start.

Joshua Zirkzee: 5 – Like Hojlund, Zirkzee was unable to get a shot off while on the pitch. Both strikers scored twice in their previous starts, but they can’t be one-off performances.

Leny Yoro: 6 – United fans got a glimpse of what Yoro can do when he reached a long leg out of nowhere to stop an Arsenal attack. Welcome back, Leny Yoro.

Antony: 5 – The question remains whether there is a place at Manchester United for Antony. The answer is becoming clearer, as Ruben Amorim cannot seem to find a place to put the Brazilian winger in his setup.

Man of the Match: Manuel Ugarte