Manchester United were unlucky to lose 1-0 to Arsenal in their first match of the new Premier League season.
Despite what the score suggested, Man United were the better team throughout, attacking with intent and showing plenty of grit the entire match.
First half
United got the match off to a strong start, bursting forward to keep the Arsenal defence under pressure while dominating possession.
Bryan Mbeumo came close to scoring on his professional debut for United, getting on the end of a Bruno Fernandes long ball and directing his shot at the goal to force a save from goalkeeper David Raya.
A few moments later, United received a free kick, with Fernandes thumping a cross to Patrick Dorgu, whose header sailed over the top.
In the 12th minute, disaster struck as history repeated itself. Much like last season, Arsenal scored from a corner, with Riccardo Calafiori heading the ball into the net. Altay Bayindir rose to parry the ball, but he wasn’t strong enough to clear, allowing the ball to fall to the Arsenal defender.
After the restart, United refused to let their previous mistake phase them, as they came out swinging. Fernandes was brought down on the edge of the box, earning his team a dangerous free-kick from which to hunt for an equaliser. The skipper slammed his effort into the wall.
24 minutes in, Mbeumo was through on goal again, cutting into the box and taking a shot that Gabriel deflected out for a corner.
On the half-hour mark, Dorgu took a blistering shot from the left which scraped the far post for what was no doubt United’s closest opportunity so far.
In the 32nd minute, Matheus Cunha exhibited a piece of individual brilliance. Straight off of an Arsenal attack, Cunha got the ball, dribbling past four Arsenal defenders as he embarked on a run from his own third to the opponents’ box. Although Cunha’s final shot was saved, it was an encouraging showing by the new arrival.
Moments later, fellow new signing Mbeumo laid the ball off back to Cunha, who took a shot that was saved yet again. United refused to stop knocking on the door in search of an equaliser.
Seven minutes before the break, Cunha was at it again, taking a shot from a tight left angle that Raya barely got a glove to in order to prevent the Brazilian from scoring.
After a minute of stoppage time, the referee blew the half-time whistle.
Despite falling behind, it was an encouraging performance from United, who looked energetic and hungry on the attack.
Ruben Amorim surely would have looked to galvanise his team with an encouraging team talk before returning to the pitch.
Second half
Three minutes into the second half, Mount received a ball from Luke Shaw, taking a snapshot that was blocked. He then sent the rebound out for a goal kick.
In the 55th minute, Amad Diallo came on to replace Diogo Dalot, adding some attacking power to the lineup.
United continued applying pressure, although they seemed unable to find a breakthrough. Matthijs de Ligt did well to break down a counter-attack, tackling Kai Havertz as Cunha swooped in to snatch possession.
In the 65th minute, striker Benjamin Sesko made his United debut, with the fans filling Old Trafford with thunderous applause. Mount came off for the Slovenian, while Manuel Ugarte came on for Casemiro.
Three minutes later, Cunha dribbled past his marker before laying the ball off to Mbeumo. While Mbeumo tried to take a shot, Amad was in his way, forcing a last-ditch effort that was blocked by the Arsenal defence.
With 17 minutes left on the clock, United were in hyperdrive. Dorgu crossed to Mbeumo, whose header toward the far post was parried by Raya, who was at full extension. Sesko produced a follow-up header that veered wide.
Minutes later, Amad took an opportune left-footed shot from the right that forced another save.
In the 80th minute, Shaw made way for Harry Maguire.
Six minutes from time, Dorgu received a yellow card for a reckless slide tackle on Jurrien Timber.
On the stroke of full-time, Sesko was tackled by Saliba before receiving a ball in the box. Despite calls for a penalty, the referee determined that no foul was committed.
Six minutes of added time were announced, giving United some extra time to get something out of the match.
While unable to find a late equaliser, United produced a respectable performance, attacking with veracity and defending well, with only a goalkeeping error leading to their defeat.
There were plenty of positives to take from the match as United look to get a better result when they take on Fulham next week.
Starting XI: Bayindir, Dalot, De Ligt, Mount, Fernandes, Cunha, Dorgu, Yoro, Casemiro, Mbeumo, Shaw
Subs: Amad, Sesko, Ugarte, Maguire
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
