United have matched Arsenal in one PL stats this season, it is Amorim’s new ‘secret weapon’ – report

Manchester United have shown marked improvements this season following a fruitful summer transfer window. The Red Devils changed managers midway through last season, with Ruben Amorim taking over from Erik ten Hag after a tough start to the campaign. However, the English giants’ struggles showed no signs of ending, with the team finishing 15th in the league table. INEOS resisted the temptation to make another managerial change over the summer, investing wisely in the squad instead, and there have been promising signs of late. Significant improvements this season United are seventh in the league table after 13 games this season, with six wins and four defeats to their name so far. They have scored 21 goals, just four fewer than league leaders Arsenal. For context, the Red Devils scored only 44 goals in 38 Premier League games last season. Premier League Goals Scored after 13 games: 2025/26 Season RankTeamGoals 1Manchester City27 2Arsenal25 3Chelsea24 4Brentford21 4Bournemouth21 4Tottenham Hotspur21 4Brighton and Hove Albion21 4Manchester United21 9Liverpool20 10Sunderland17 Source: Premier League Website.However, Amorim’s team have also conceded 20 goals in the league this season, the most among the top ten in the table, so their defending remains a concern. Nevertheless, United’s form in the final third will delight fans, especially since they have matched the Gunners in a particular metric. Set-piece specialists According to the club’s website, United have scored the joint-most set-piece goals in the Premier League this season alongside Arsenal. The Gunners’ dominance from dead-ball situations this campaign has received high praise and has been one of their strengths so far. However, it now appears that the Red Devils have been equally effective from set pieces this season. Amorim’s side have now scored 10 goals from set-plays, including the two against Crystal Palace at the weekend that secured a hard-fought 2-1 win. United’s first set piece success this season came against Fulham, when Leny Yoro forced an own goal from Rodrygo Muniz. The Red Devils repeated the feat the following game against Burnley, when Casemiro’s header came off the bar and went in off Josh Cullen. The Brazilian then found the back of the net from a set piece against Chelsea, while Benjamin Sesko scored his second goal for United from a Diogo Dalot long throw-in against Sunderland. Harry Maguire also got on the scoresheet against Liverpool, scoring a thumping winner at Anfield from a set play. United scored five goals from dead-ball situations in November. Casemiro and Amad Diallo scored to secure a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, before Matthijs de Ligt’s late equaliser ensured a point against Tottenham Hotspur. On Sunday, 30 November, Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount scored against Palace to help their team sit at the top of this unique table, with Bruno Fernandes setting up both goals. United next face West Ham United at home on Thursday, 4 December, in the Premier League. Final Thoughts United’s dominance from set pieces has added another dimension to the team this season and will be an asset for Amorim as he tries to get the team back to their best. The sight of Bruno Fernandes standing over a dead-ball is likely to cause the opposition further worry as the season progresses. The Red Devils need to finish within the top four this season if they want to attract top talents next summer, and their new ‘secret weapon’ will certainly help their cause. Bruno Fernandes has created more chances (35) than any other player in the Premier League this season. Five clear of any other player in the division. 🖐️ pic.twitter.com/cAGrjuA2wj — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 1, 2025 Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.