Four things we learnt as Man United fall to undeserved defeat to Arsenal | OneFootball

Manchester United welcomed Arsenal to Old Trafford in a blockbuster opening to the season.

Altay Bayindir kept his place despite Andre Onana recovering from an injury. Diogo Dalot started at right wing back instead of Amad, while Matthijs de Ligt, Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro were named in the back three.

Patrick Dorgu started at left wing back while Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes made up the midfield pivot.

Mason Mount was named alongside Bryan Mbeumo in the two number 10 positions while Matheus Cunha played up front with fellow new signing Benjamin Sesko on the bench.

Here are four things we learnt from the match.

United keeper woes haunt them again

One of the defining characteristics of last season was the poor performance of the team’s goalkeepers with both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir disappointing.

The Red Devils have been linked to keepers all summer but have failed to make a signing.

Bayindir was chosen ahead of Onana and he failed to inspire after only 13 minutes when he flapped at a corner which allowed Riccardo Calafiori to head home on the line.

Ruben Amorim’s side had actually started the half much the better team but once again they were let down by unforced errors undoing all of their good work.

Surely the keeper department is something United must address before the transfer window ends.

Joy out wide

Despite United trailing at half-time, they were the better team and had more chances on goal.

Bryan Mbeumo impressed on his Premier League debut for the Reds and often found himself with a massive amount of freedom on the right.

Diogo Dalot tried his best to support Mbeumo but United fans would have been salivating at the prospect of Amad supporting the Cameroonian international.

Patrick Dorgu was also a threat down the right and hit the post with a rasping effort on goal.

United’s attack often let them down last season but fans will be hoping that a summer spending spree in this department will allow for significantly more threat in these areas.

United defence handle Viktor Gyokeres test

After a summer where Gyokeres prioritised a move to London over Manchester, he was always going to receive a hostile reception at Old Trafford.

The Swede scored goals for fun last year for Sporting CP but was well shackled by the United defence.

Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro took turns taking on the physical Gyokeres and they won almost every battle.

The former Sporting attacker did not have a shot on goal and when he had the ball, was quickly closed down by the United centre backs.

Ruben Amorim will know the threat of Gyokeres better than most and will be pleased that his centre backs stood up to the challenge.

Matheus Cunha grows into debut

The Brazilian, wearing the famous number 10 shirt, started off quietly in his debut at Old Trafford.

Nonetheless, the feisty attacker grew into the game and drove at the Arsenal defence.

He combined well with fellow new signing Bryan Mbeumo and drew a fine save from David Raya.

The Brazil international also had an impressive run where he held off for Arsenal defenders but could only fire his goal at the Arsenal keeper.

United fans will hope for more of the same in the following weeks and months.

Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images

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