The 2025/26 Premier League season kicked off with disappointment for Manchester United, who fell 1-0 to Arsenal at Old Trafford. A first-half set-piece goal proved decisive, leaving United fans frustrated and head coach Rúben Amorim under increasing scrutiny.
A Record No Manager Wants
The defeat marked Amorim’s 15th loss in his first 28 Premier League games in charge, making him the fastest non-promoted club manager to reach that tally since Paul Hart at Portsmouth back in 2009.
Since replacing Erik ten Hag, Amorim has struggled to steady the ship. Last season, United slumped to a 15th-place finish in the league, one of their lowest in modern history, and suffered heartbreak in the Europa League final with a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham. A new season was meant to signal a fresh start, but instead, it has opened with more of the same frustrations.
United Show Spirit but Waste Chances
Despite the result, United were not short of effort or opportunities. New signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo injected energy into the attack, pressing high and constantly testing Arsenal’s back line. Yet, for all their endeavours, United failed to find the finishing touch.
Arsenal, meanwhile, took full advantage of a set-piece opportunity early on and then held firm. Their resilience highlighted United’s ongoing struggles in front of goal, where dominance in possession did not translate into results.
Amorim: “We Were the Better Team”
Speaking after the match to Sky Sports, Amorim defended his players:
“I’m proud of these boys. They were brave and aggressive. We pressed high, played our football, and I believe we were the better team. The result should have been different.”
The Portuguese coach admitted United must adapt better to the Premier League’s physical demands, especially in crowded penalty-box situations:
“Sometimes the goalkeeper is blocked, sometimes there’s contact. We need to be stronger and play within the rules. We can’t change them, so we have to adapt.”
Amorim insisted that progress is being made compared to last season, but conceded that improvements are still required in the moments that matter most.
Bruno Fernandes: “We Must Take Our Chances”
Captain Bruno Fernandes echoed his manager’s frustration:
“We conceded early from a set-piece, but after that, Arsenal didn’t create much. We controlled the game and created numerous chances, but we didn’t score. That’s the biggest negative today.”
The midfielder also pointed to refereeing consistency in the Premier League:
“It’s tough on goalkeepers. If there’s contact, it’s not always given. We know how it works in England; the refs let more go. We just have to be smarter.”
Arsenal Continue Their Dominance
For Arsenal, the victory reinforced their strong record against United in recent years. Mikel Arteta’s side has not lost to the Red Devils in competitive play since September 2022. The Spaniard now boasts eight wins, two draws, and just two defeats in 12 meetings with United since becoming Arsenal boss in 2019.
The Gunners looked organised and composed, showing once again why they are tipped to challenge for the title this season.
United’s heavy summer spending has yet to translate into points, and Amorim knows results must improve quickly. His side showed fight and spirit, but without clinical finishing, pressure will only intensify.
Arsenal, meanwhile, march on with confidence, extending its dominance over a rival in decline. For Manchester United, the journey back to the top looks as tricky as ever, and patience among supporters is running thin.
