Player Ratings: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

Photo: Premier League

Manchester United started the 2025/26 Premier League season with a narrow defeat at home to Arsenal despite a strong performance from Ruben Amorim's side.

Amorim started with Mason Mount and Bryan Mbeumo flanking Matheus Cunha up front, while Altay Bayindir was given a rare start as Andre Onana was left out. The team was bright in the opening stages, driven by the excitement of the Old Trafford crowd.

However, United fell behind in the 13th minute after a corner was not dealt with by Bayindir, who palmed it into the path of Riccardo Calafiori, who tapped it into the net.

Despite the goal, United regrouped and continued to push forward, with Mbeumo and Cunha being integral to the play. While United built up play well, they found it difficult to trouble David Raya, who made a number of relatively easy saves.

Following the break, Arsenal seemed to shift to full defensive mode, and United took the game to the away side. United came close to scoring on several occasions, yet could not find the net, even with Benjamin Sesko coming on midway through the second-half.

As a result, Arsenal came away with a 1-0 win, but United were the better of the two sides.

Here are how the players fared:

Altay Bayindir 3

Another disappointing performance from the Turkish goalkeeper, after being in the team due to Onana's absence. Flapped at a corner and was shaky with his footwork at different times during the game. An upgrade is needed on Onana, but Bayindir is not the answer.

Leny Yoro 6

Neat and tidy with his passing, but was often very safe with his play. Was not troubled by Arsenal's forwards, and he showed his turn of pace on occasions.

Matthijs de Ligt 8

United's best defender on the day. Put his body on the line more than once and used his physicality excellently. Kept Viktor Gyokeres quiet and looked sharp on and off the ball. A brave and encouraging display from the Dutchman.

Luke Shaw 7

Shaw started the first match of his 12th season at Manchester United, and he was largely untroubled. Trid to push forward from left centre-back, and was confident on the ball. Substituted for Harry Maguire.

Diogo Dalot 6

Provided plenty of support to Mbeumo on the attack, providing some crosses that would have been much more beneficial had Sesko been on the pitch at that time. Good defensively, but needs to sharpen up.

Casemiro 6

Surprisingly, Casemiro was no slouch today, covering plenty of ground and being sharp with his passes. Made a brilliant challenge in the first-half before finding Mbeumo with a great long ball.

Bruno Fernandes 4

A rare off day from the United captain. He was rash and loose with his passing, getting dispossessed on multiple occasions throughout the match. Great to see that when Bruno has an off game, the rest of the team can perform.

Patrick Dorgu 6

Lively in the first-half, hitting the post with a left-footed strike right after United went behind. His threat was not as prominent in the second-half, and was sometimes untidy on the ball.

Mason Mount 6

Started very brightly, looking like the best player on the pitch at times in the first-half. Worked his socks off and made an excellent recovery to deal with an Arsenal counter. His influence faded as time wore on.

Bryan Mbeumo 7

United fans would have liked what they saw in Mbeumo, who continued his sharp pre-season form with another excellent display at Old Trafford. He constantly had the beating of Calafiori, and just needed that match sharpness to finish off some of the chances he created. Great combinations with Mount and Cunha. His first goal will definitely come soon.

Matheus Cunha 8

United's most threatening forward on the day, even when he started up front rather than in attacking midfield. Dribbled past the whole Arsenal team in the first-half, before hitting a tame strike. Covered plenty of ground and fought for every ball. He will be a player that will definitely entertain and excited the Old Trafford faithful. A future fan favourite in the making.

Substitutions:

Amad 7

Brought on instead of Dalot and immediately injected some pace and energy. Looked bright and arguably should have started.

Benjamin Sesko 5

Was not involved as much as United fans would have hoped, but he still looked to put himself about. Will improve as he gains more match sharpness and starts to link up more with the rest of the team.

Manuel Ugarte 4

Increased the team's tempo with his introduction, but was once again very ragged and untidy with his passing. Needs to up his game.

Harry Maguire 5

Conceded a foul straight after coming on, but provided an aerial threat. Could not rescue the result on this occasion.

Manager - Ruben Amorim: 6

Made a number of brave calls in the starting 11, yet it seemed to work for large parts of the game. Arguably should have started Amad instead of Dalot. The team is starting to take shape though, with much more intensity in the way United play. Once Sesko becomes more integrated in the team, this could be a very dangerous United side to play against.