Man Utd player ratings vs Arsenal: Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount go missing as set-piece struggles lead to Ruben Amorim suffering first Red Devils defeat

The Red Devils conceded twice from corners while their attack failed to come to life in north London

Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the Ruben Amorim era as they went down to a 2-0 loss against Arsenal on Wednesday.

In a first half lacking in quality chances, Gabriel Martinelli lashed at an effort when a cool head was required, while at the other end Diogo Dalot blasted the ball wide when afforded space in the Arsenal area.

United’s defensive solidity was to be admired, particularly against a team with 13 goals in their past three games. However, Arsenal’s invaluable corners proved to be their undoing in the second half.

In the 54th minute, Jurrien Timber scored with the game’s first effort on target. The defender nodded home a perfectly-placed Declan Rice delivery as Arsenal’s set-piece sorcery paid dividends once more.

And William Saliba then joined in by converting from close0range after Thomas Partey nodded back Bukayo Saka’s corner, not that the French centre-back knew too much about it.

Amorim will try to pick his players up quickly, with Nottingham Forest visiting Old Trafford on Saturday.

GOAL rates United's players from the Emirates Stadium...

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Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (7/10):
Kept out Havertz with a decent save as the Gunners looked to pile on. Could do little about both goals.
Matthijs de Ligt (6/10):
Nearly made it 1-1 but Raya was equal to his header.
Harry Maguire (6/10):
Handed only his fourth start in the league this season. Did well to contort his body to block a dangerous Saka delivery in the first half, but also received a silly booking.
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):
Tidy in the first half but seemed to tire as Saka found success in the second.

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Midfield
Diogo Dalot (5/10):
Couldn't get forward to impact the game as much as he would have liked.
Manuel Ugarte (5/10):
Didn't appear up for this one, a real concern for Amorim.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Tried to orchestrate matters but United lacked dynamism going forward. Kept running until the end, at least.
Tyrell Malacia(6/10):
Handed 45 minutes on his first league start since May 2023. Coped well in a tricky battle against Saka.
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Attack
Mason Mount (4/10):
Hardly got into the game, managing just 15 touches before being hooked on the hour mark. Shouldn't be starting for United, on this evidence.
Rasmus Hojlund (5/10):
Starved of decent service and failed to record a single shot on goal. Arsenal's defence didn't have to work too hard to shackle the striker.
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
Nearly set up Hojlund with a delightful pass early in the second period, but not overly effective.

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Subs & Manager
Amad Diallo (6/10):
Came on at half-time and immediately started giving Zinchenko trouble down United’s right. Should start against Forest on Saturday.
Marcus Rashford (5/10):
Struggled to get into the game as Arsenal's defence held firm.
Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):
Like the rest of his attacking team-mates, Arsenal had an answer for the Dutchman upon his arrival.
Leny Yoro (7/10):
On for his United debut in the 59th minute. Displayed great timing to deny Trossard and made a couple more challenges in a promising display.
Antony (N/A):
Should have done better from a neatly-worked free-kick, but blasted straight at Raya.
Ruben Amorim (5/10):
Will be disappointed to have conceded from two corners, although Arsenal's deliveries were consistently excellent. Amorim ultimately needs to get his attack firing.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager