Cunha dazzles as Bayindir awful – Man United winners and losers from Arsenal loss
Manchester United were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal in the opening game of their Premier League campaign on Sunday.
Riccardo Calafiori’s first-half header proved to make all the difference as Arsenal defeated Man United at Old Trafford on 17 August.
The Red Devils will look to bounce back from their loss against the Gunners when they travel to Fulham on Sunday, 24 August.
Meanwhile, Football Insider analyses which players impressed and who had an afternoon they’d rather forget as Bryan Mbeumo made his Man United debut alongside Matheus Cunha.
Winners
Matheus Cunha
Cunha did not have a dream Man United debut, as the attacker failed to get himself on the scoresheet in a defeat to Arsenal.
However, the former Wolves man did look like a genuine threat for the North West giants, forcing David Raya into making a good save.
If Cunha can continue performing in the same manner, it will surely be a matter of time until he scores his first goal for Amorim’s men.
Bryan Mbeumo
Similarly to Cunha, Mbeumo showed glimpses of his quality on his Premier League debut for the Old Trafford side.
The ex-Brentford star showed positivity and attacking intent out wide despite lacking a clinical eye for goal.
Mason Mount
Since moving to the North West from Chelsea in 2023, Mason Mount has endured a Man United career which has been largely troubled by injuries.
However, the England international managed to show his quality against Arsenal, which bodes well for Amorim in the early stages of the season.
The Old Trafford side will be particularly pleased by how well Mount linked up with Cunha and Mbeumo.
Losers
Altay Bayindir
While Man United could replace Andre Onana this summer, fellow goalkeeper Altay Bayindir made a poor account of himself against Arsenal.
After landing a lowly finish in the Premier League last term, the Red Devils largely performed well against the North London club and could have come away with something from the game.
However, Bayindir’s error proved very costly as his failed, punching clearance landed kindly for Calafiori to snatch the win for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Bruno Fernandes
Because Cunha, Mbeumo, and Mount all featured against Arteta’s side, Bruno Fernandes had to settle for a deeper midfield role.
Fernandes was able to show his creative tendencies in glimpses, but he would be better served by playing further up the pitch.
Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko was unable to enjoy a dream Premier League debut, featuring as a second-half substitute rather than a starter.
His relative lack of minutes did not serve him well, as the former RB Leipzig striker could not produce much of an attacking threat.