Four things we learnt as United fall to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Arsenal

Manchester United travelled to North London to take on Arsenal, looking to win their second consecutive league game.

Andre Onana started in goal with Harry Maguire replacing the suspended Lisandro Martinez. Former Bayern Munich pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui took up their usual spots in the centre of the defence.

Diogo Dalot was brought back as the right wing back and Tyrell Malacia started his first Premier League game since May 2023.

Bruno Fernandes dropped back into midfield to partner Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount and Alejandro Garnacho dropped in just behind the striker.

Despite braces against Everton at the weekend, Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee were both dropped to the bench and Rasmus Hojlund was charged with leading the line.

Here are four things we learnt from the match.

A change of approach

Away days against top teams under Erik ten Hag would often be characterised by either backs-to-the-wall defending or chaos ball, where both teams had numerous chances.

The first half against Arsenal would not win any prizes for entertainment but it allowed United to show a solidity they haven’t done for a long time.

They ended the first half with Arsenal only having three shots on goal and zero on target.

The Red Devils were also able to control more of the possession, edging it at 52%. It is hard to know what Ruben Amorim’s exact approach will be once he knows and trusts his players more, but the first 45 minutes were certainly a departure from what United fans have got used to over the last couple of years.

United ripped apart from corners

Arsenal are unquestionably the best set piece team in the league but Amorim will be furious with how his side was taken apart by both goals.

United had a few warnings in the first half but just about managed to keep out the Gunners.

They had no such luck in the second half as Arsenal scored twice and could have added one or two more as United had no idea how to handle the home side’s crafty tactics.

The sheer amount of opportunities that were given to the home side will perplex fans as they reached double figures in corners and it felt like United were asking for trouble time and time again.

Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles with his back to goal continue

Hojlund was mightily impressive against Bodo/Glimt last week and many were surprised he was dropped against Everton at the weekend.

The Dane is great with space to run into with his raw pace and power but struggles when he is tasked to hold the play up.

Whilst United were organised out of possession and held onto the ball quite well, they could rarely use Hojlund as a reliable outlet to escape the pressure and release his fellow attackers or Alejandro Garnacho.

Amorim will obviously need time to work out his players and the signs are certainly good that he is a fast learner but many fans will be demanding that perhaps Joshua Zirkzee may be the better choice if they want to play with a target man striker instead of the 21 year old Scandinavian.

Mason Mount still cannot find role

Ruben Amorim has been gushing in his praise for the Englishman since he joined the club.

However, United fans are still yet to see anything close to the player that helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2021.

The Englishman was entrusted to start ahead of Marcus Rashford but failed to provide anything to suggest he is ready to start regularly at the club.

Mount will always work hard off the ball and press but he showed little quality on it and as most of his career at Old Trafford so far, his performance was largely forgettable.

He was finally subbed off after 58 minutes and he will certainly reflect on the numerous improvements he will have to make if he is to live up to his coach’s expectations.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images