Man United vs Arsenal live: Gunners hold on to claim hard-fought win at Old Trafford
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal: Riccardo Calafiori punished a mistake by Altay Bayindir as the Gunners held on to claim an important three points
Arsenal defeated Manchester United 1-0 to open their latest Premier League title challenge with a hard-fought three points at Old Trafford. Altay Bayindir's blunder handed Arsenal victory and undid a positive Manchester United performance in Sunday's pulsating Premier League encounter.
United looked far better than the side that finished 15th last season - their worst top-flight campaign since 1974 - yet Ruben Amorim's side fell to a 1-0 defeat as Riccardo Calafiori capitalised on Bayindir's early flap.
The back-up goalkeeper was outmuscled by William Saliba as he attempted to deal with a Declan Rice corner, tipping it on for the defender to nod into an empty net and silence Old Trafford after a bright start.
Bayindir's error underlined concerns over the goalkeeping position at Old Trafford, where often unconvincing number one Andre Onana was absent as he works his way back from a hamstring injury.
United are a work in progress but summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo looked sharp on their debuts, with Patrick Dorgu hitting a post with a lasered first-half effort. Arsenal keeper David Raya produced a string of important stops to keep the hosts at bay, with his man of the match of the display helping Arteta's side to victory.
Relive all the action from Manchester United vs Arsenal below:
Man United had an obvious weakness against Arsenal and what happened was inevitable
Unless Manchester United can defend a corner, they will not turn one. Until Ruben Amorim’s big decisions succeed, the verdicts on his reign may be unflattering. A new season brought an improved United in various respects, but a third win at Old Trafford for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. A club who once clinched a Premier League title on United turf can hope the road to another began with the same scoreline and at the same venue. “A big, big result,” said Arteta.
But Arsenal were given a helping hand by Altay Bayindir and, indirectly, Amorim. The Turkey international’s lame punch allowed Riccardo Calafiori to head in from a yard; if Viktor Gyokeres, the debutant striker, was supposed to be the final piece in Arteta’s jigsaw, there was something typical of his teams in that the goal came from the left-back.
The manner of the goal was familiar for both clubs. The Arsenal fans’ first chorus of the season of “Set-piece FC” came after 13 minutes. If the same tag is attached to United, it would a criticism.
Man United had an obvious weakness against Arsenal and what happened was inevitable
Ruben Amorim 'proud' of Manchester United performance
Ruben Amorim said he was “proud” with how his Manchester United players competed against Arsenal and said they played better than their opponents at Old Trafford.
"It was really hard because I think we showed that we were the better team today. We played better than Arsenal,” he told BBC 5 Live.
"A strange goal, but then we tried everything to score a goal. We have small things that will make a difference in the future. The defence felt a different team and that is a good thing, but we need to win games.
"I am proud of the players. I said so many times that the players need to adapt.
"Intensity, the way they are sprinting. They fought for every duel. They were so brave playing one against one. They were really brave, and I am happy with that."
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal's 'massive win' at Old Trafford
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on his side’s 1-0 win at Manchester United to start the new Premier League season.
"Massive win,” he told Sky Sports. “To go in the first fixture at Old Trafford with that atmosphere, the way they are building momentum, with new signings and excitement around it, it's a great feeling, and then we have to be really humble about the way we did it.”
Bruno Fernandes on the 'sign of hope' for Man United
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes tells Sky Sports that what he saw at the end of the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal gave him a “sign of hope” ahead of the rest of the season.
“It's the first game of the season so we cannot speak about a step forwards,” he said. “We conceded a goal from a set piece early on but from then on Arsenal didn't create any chances. We created lots of chances and didn't score so we have to do better next time. We controlled the game well, we were good on the ball.
"We have a big hope for what we want to do and what we want to achieve. There are positive things to look at like scoring goals. I really liked the reaction of the fans at the end. I really appreciate what they did. That was more a sign of hope than what we did during the game."
David Raya on Arsenal's hard-fought win at Old Trafford
Arsenal goalkeeper, and player of the match, David Raya says the Gunners showed fight to get through an off-day as they defeated Manchester United 1-0.
“The quality wasn't there. We weren't on our best day with the ball. Defensively we weren't at our best, so that was a hard fight,” he told Sky Sports.
“We got our goal in the first half with a corner and from there we just fought until the end. Credit to the boys for getting the clean sheet.
“We know we could have lost the game but football is like this. Days like this is when the three points count.”
1-0 to the Arsenal...
According to Opta, 1-0 - all six of Arsenal’s away wins against Manchester United in the Premier League have been 1-0 victories. including their last three under Mikel Arteta.
FULL TIME! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
Manchester United had more possession, shots, shots on targets, touches in the opposition box and expected goals than Arsenal today.
When it came to shots today, United led 22-9!
FULL TIME! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
Another home defeat for Manchester United. They lost nine at Old Trafford last season, and start the new season with another loss.
But there were some bright signs - with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo having moments - and the home players were applauded off too.
David Raya is named player of the match - which tells it’s own story.
FULL TIME! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
The Arsenal players head to the sun-soaked away end and enjoy the reception they are receiving. Mikel Arteta’s side showed guts and resilience today, qualities they will need in abundance if they are to win the Premier League this season. They have showed it in spells over the last three years, but can they go for 38 games this year?
FULL TIME! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
A hard-fought win for Arsenal. Not an entirely convincing one, either, but they can thank both goalkeepers, in different ways: David Raya for his saves, Altay Bayindir for his error. United were better than they were in many a match from last season and had plenty of pressure and possession. But, after nine home defeats then, they already have one this season.
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