It was an underwhelming start for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United as they fell 1-0 to Arsenal at Old Trafford in their Premier League 2025-26 season opener on Sunday, August 18. Despite enjoying large spells of possession, the Red Devils failed to make it count, while Arsenal capitalised on their one clear chance through a well-taken set-piece.
The decisive moment arrived in the 13th minute when defender Ricardo Calafiori rose highest to head home from a corner. United’s goalkeeper Altay Bayindir misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing the Italian to nod it into the net. The mistake will surely raise questions over Bayindir’s place in the starting lineup, especially with Andre Onana available for selection but left on the bench by Amorim.
United’s new attacking recruits, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, showed flashes of promise on their Premier League debuts. Cunha’s pace on the wing troubled Arsenal at times, while Mbeumo linked play well, though both struggled to deliver a decisive final ball. In contrast, the striking options on both sides endured quiet evenings. Arsenal’s Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, as well as United’s forwards, were unable to impose themselves.
Despite being the side dictating tempo for much of the contest, United lacked sharpness in the final third. They created half-chances but failed to truly test David Raya in the Arsenal goal. The Gunners, meanwhile, were content to sit deep after their opener, soaking up pressure and protecting their slender lead with disciplined defending.
The match ended with United feeling they had let the game slip. Arsenal, while not at their fluent best, will be relieved to have ground out three points away from home.
For Amorim, however, the pressure will mount quickly. Backed heavily in the summer transfer window after last season’s struggles, the Portuguese coach knows that results will be demanded immediately. United’s fans, still scarred from a poor 2024-25 campaign, will expect a quick response when the team returns to action.
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