MU lost, but their bravery was affirmed

MU players have the right to leave the field with their heads held high.

At Old Trafford on the evening of August 17, after conceding a silly goal early on, MU still showed that their tactical system was operating effectively, while also showing off the difference that the new recruits brought. According to former player Danny Murphy, the "Red Devils" played more dynamically, more directly and physically looked much stronger.

Basically, MU dared to be bolder when pressing to win the ball back, because there were more quality players up front. It is true that they still lost and did not score, but MU was the better team at Old Trafford and had the right to regret going home empty-handed.

Same diagram, but distinctly different

Fans knew coach Ruben Amorim would not abandon his familiar 3-4-2-1 formation and today they played with that system. The difference was the way United deployed it much more actively, both in possession and without the ball.

Wingers Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu were often forward, while Amad Diallo was even more aggressive when he replaced Dalot in the second half. Amorim took risks in pressing a strong team like Arsenal and in the first half they were counter-attacked a couple of times when Arsenal escaped the pressure.

Coach Amorim has made his tactical mark

But Man United are playing at home, they need to keep the initiative and the experts really like the way they dare to put Arsenal under pressure, something they rarely did last season against big opponents - even when winning.

Although there are occasional looseness, the overall balance of the squad is reasonable and the spirit is extremely high. If they want to progress, United must maintain this positive style of play regularly and then the strikers in the attack will eventually convert good chances into goals.

Arsenal could not control the game

The new starters have been a big part of United's positive new look, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo showing why they've been so highly rated in just one game.

What Arteta has built at Arsenal is impressive and over the past few seasons their strengths have been ball control and dictating tempo. But at Old Trafford, the Gunners cannot do that, because of Man United's energy, boldness and pressing spirit. All of that also helps the "Red Devils" defend better.

Last season, when United tried to build from the back, they often lost possession dangerously. But on August 17, that situation almost never happened. Cunha and Mbeumo bring more muscle to the attack, with speed and the ability to penetrate behind the opposition defence.

Cunha had an explosive match despite not scoring.

Last season, Man United’s attack was almost “invisible”, not making opponents afraid. Now, they have quality, confident players, capable of threatening and forcing the defense to be wary immediately.

This was evident: when Man United played directly, Arsenal's defence was forced to drop deep instead of pushing forward to finish the game. The "Red Devils" wingers were also comfortable pushing forward to support, because they knew Cunha and Mbeumo would keep the ball. Mason Mount's impressive performance was another big plus.

The closer to the end of the match, the more obvious the feeling of an equalizer for Man United became. They launched 22 shots compared to 9 from the "Gunners". Although they were not successful, the "Red Devils" made a name for themselves in the new season because they showed that their attack has become much more dangerous. In the future, when Benjamin Sesko gets in the rhythm, the firepower will be even higher.

Not perfect, but full of optimism

Of course, United still have question marks. They may need a new central midfielder to replace Manuel Ugarte or Casemiro, as not everyone believes these two players are the ideal partners for Bruno Fernandes, who may need a more mobile teammate to share the travel burden.

MU needs to find someone to pair with Bruno Fernandes soon.

Goalkeeping issues persisted too, with Altay Bayindir's mistake leading to Riccardo Calafiori's winner. It was disappointing to lose by that kind of error, as has happened before.

Despite the defeat, Man United still showed a lot of foundations to build the future. At such an early stage of the season, it is not just results but signs of progress that are important and United have shown that.

For now, progress means the team is adapting to the coach's system, the players understand each other better on the pitch and the new signings are settling in well. More importantly, they are putting the memories of last season behind them and playing with renewed confidence and belief. Despite the loss, the "Red Devils" played with the belief that they could win and from now on, any opponent facing them will have to be wary.

Source: https://znews.vn/mu-thua-nhung-ban-linh-duoc-khang-dinh-post1577890.html