Manchester United’s high-profile attacking reinforcements displayed flashes of brilliance in their Premier League opener, but a costly goalkeeping error gifted Arsenal a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Turkish shot-stopper Altay Bayindir’s mishandling of Declan Rice’s second-half corner proved decisive, deflecting the ball toward the far post where defender Ricardo Calafiori headed home the winner. The blunder overshadowed an otherwise resilient defensive performance from the hosts, who limited Arsenal’s chances after the goal.
New signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha energized United’s frontline, with Mbeumo particularly threatening as he outmuscled Arsenal defenders and drove forward aggressively. However, the duo lacked precision in critical moments, failing to convert their momentum into goals.
United’s £74 million striker Benjamin Sesko made his debut as a second-half substitute but squandered his lone opportunity, firing wide under pressure. At the opposite end, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya delivered a composed performance, contrasting sharply with his counterpart’s lapse in concentration.
While Erik ten Hag’s side demonstrated defensive organization for large stretches, Bayindir’s error underscored lingering concerns about their reliability in key positions as the club continues its rebuild.
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