MU played disastrously, lost painfully to Arsenal at home: Coach Amorim had to pay a heavy price because…

On the evening of August 17, goalkeeper Altay Bayındır's mistake caused MU to lose 0-1 to Arsenal in the match of round 1 of the 2025-2026 Premier League.

MU takes the field with confusing personnel

After a disappointing season when only ranked 15th last season, MU invested heavily in the summer market of 2025. The "Red Devils" spent more than 200 million pounds, bringing in 3 new players including Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško to upgrade the attack. Before the match against Arsenal, coach Ruben Amorim confidently affirmed that his team would take the field with the strongest squad, determined to win to welcome the new season. However, in MU's starting list, the Portuguese coach surprised many people when he removed Rasmus Højlund and kept the only striker, Benjamin Šeško, on the bench. In addition, in the defense, goalkeeper Onana was not registered despite being completely healthy.

Riccardo Calafiori (number 33) seized the opportunity after the MU goalkeeper's mistake and scored the opening goal.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Coach Ruben Amorim disappointed on the sidelines

PHOTO: REUTERS

But after the first half, coach Ruben Amorim continuously expressed his disappointment, holding his head on the sidelines. Similar to the weakness of last season, the Old Trafford home team's defense made a mistake, allowing Arsenal to take a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute with a close-range header from Riccardo Calafiori. More notably, Altay Bayındır - the goalkeeper chosen to replace Onana - was the one who made the mistake in this goal with a punch that could not be more amateurish.

Up front, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha somewhat satisfied MU fans with many confident situations. This duo contributed to MU having 10 shots in the first half, twice as many as Arsenal. Unfortunately, the lack of a target striker on the field made MU lack the final touch and powerless to penetrate the opponent's net.

Bryan Mbeumo (red shirt) is a bright spot in MU's playing style.

PHOTO: REUTERS

After the break, MU made many changes and still took the initiative. In the 63rd minute, the expected striker Benjamin Šeško was also given a chance by coach Ruben Amorim. The red half of Manchester played well, completely dominating the field compared to Arsenal. MU controlled the ball nearly 70%, had 8 more shots but still could not score. In the 69th and 73rd minutes, Bryan Mbeumo had 2 clear chances but the Cameroonian striker's shots could not beat goalkeeper David Raya.

In the last 10 minutes of the match, MU put more pressure on Arsenal's field. The home team made many high crosses, taking advantage of the aerial ability of Benjamin Šeško and Harry Maguire. However, facing Arsenal's well-organized defense, the "Red Devils" were stuck and accepted a 0-1 defeat.

Arsenal made MU taste defeat in the first round

PHOTO: REUTERS

Losing 0-1, MU dropped to 15th place on the rankings. In round 2, coach Ruben Amorim and his team will visit Fulham (August 24). On the other side, Arsenal got 3 points, climbed to 6th place and will face Leeds United in the next match.

In the match that took place earlier, despite creating many opportunities, Chelsea could not take advantage and had to draw 0-0 with Crystal Palace.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/mu-thi-dau-tham-hoa-thua-dau-arsenal-tren-san-nha-hlv-amorim-phai-tra-gia-dat-185250818003426661.htm