Arsenal beat Manchester United 1-0 in a Premier League match at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17, with Riccardo Calafiori scoring the only goal of the match in the first half.
Despite no goals to show for it, United fought really well and were the more dominant team in general.
However, the Red Devils were a bit unlucky not to score in the first half, as Patrick Dorgu hit the post and David Raya saved from the Gunners on another occasion. Still, Calafiori’s goal from a corner proved to be decisive in the end.
Was Altay Bayindir To Blame for the Goal Manchester United Conceded?
Altay Bayindir failed to parry the ball from a corner, and it touched Calafiori’s head before going in. Last season was full of howlers from United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana, and this season, too, has started on a bad note for United.
The Red Devils started with a 3-4-3 formation with Matheus Cunha playing as the centre-forward and Mason Mount and Bryan Mbeumo on the flanks.
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro were the two central midfielders. As Fernandes played in a deeper role, he had to put in that extra bit of effort to get to the opposition penalty box.
Manchester United often relied on Casemiro to play long passes, especially to Mbeumo on the right flank.
United played with inhibition in the initial stages of the match, but kept increasing numbers in the opposition half as the match progressed.
Dorgu was tireless with his overlaps and hit the post once with a powerful shot. Diogo Dalot also started overlapping down the right, but Arsenal’s defence held firm and did not allow the United wing-backs to play crosses of much quality.
Still, Bayindir’s mistake meant the home side were left without a point in their opening match of the season. United had 61% ball possession in the match and probably did not deserve to lose.
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A Tough Road Ahead
Manchester United travel to Fulham next as their first away match of the season at Craven Cottage. They will then host Burnley before travelling to Etihad Stadium to play Manchester City.
That set of fixtures is not easy by any means. United cannot afford many slip-ups in them. Their defence has been pretty solid whenever they have played with a back-three. Still, if the goalkeeper is not dependable, no team in this world can feel safe.
It remains to be seen whether Ruben Amorim decides to play Bayindir in United’s next few matches. The Turkish goalkeeper has largely been second-choice in the squad so far. However, he performed remarkably in the FA Cup last year to guide his team to a victory against Arsenal.
United are reportedly chasing Gianluigi Donnarumma, getting whom will alleviate their concerns to a large extent. However, Manchester City are also reportedly after the Italian goalkeeper, and hence, getting him will not be easy for United.
Overall, it was another disappointment for the Red Devils’ boss Amorim, who endured yet another defeat.
On a more positive note though, the fluid and energetic football his front-three displayed pointed to some improvement.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
Recording Date: 17.08.2025