(Credit: Imago)

Jonathan Burnett

Mon 18 August 2025 12:15, UK

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo’s impressive Manchester United debuts proved to be in vain against Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Bryan Mbeumo and Kobbie Mainoo respond after Man United player exit confirmed	Bryan Mbeumo 'lucky to escape sanction' after unseen moment in Man United v Arsenal - ex-FIFA ref	Man United fans drop instant verdict on Matheus Cunha's debut vs Arsenal

Manchester United‘s season began with a 1-0 defeat on home turf despite a solid display from Ruben Amorim‘s new-look side, with more shots, possession and chances created than Arsenal could manage.

Altay Batyindir’s error was costly for Amorim’s side after he failed to get a convincing connection on a punch from an Arsenal corner early on, giving Riccardo Calafiori the simplest of finishes at the far post.

Calafiori’s 13th-minute header proved to be the decisive goal at Old Trafford as an off-colour Arsenal returned to North London with three points, after repelling wave after wave of Man United attacks.

Ruben Amorim’s poor Premier League record continues into a second season (Credit: Imago)

Amorim gave competitive Red Devils debuts to all three of this summer’s headline signings, as Cunha and Mbeumo started up front with Mason Mount as Benjamin Sesko was introduced in the second half.

The starting trio’s direct running and dynamic rotations caused Arsenal several problems, with Mbeumo and Cunha firing off nine shots between them across the 90 minutes and amassing 0.82 xG [FotMob].

Cunha moved to Man United from Wolves for £62.5million back in June, and posted on Instagram after Sunday’s match with a message to mark his debut, saying: “We deserved so much more!

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

“What an honour to debut in this environment.

It’s just the beginning”.

Fellow debutant Mbeumo reflected Cunha’s sentiment, saying: “For sure bro”.

View this post on Instagram

View Instagram Post

Football Insider Verdict

Amorim’s all-new frontline of Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko is expected to take shape and hit the ground running as soon as possible, but Man United’s summer business has highlighted other deficiencies.

The Red Devils’ focus on the front end of Amorim’s team has exposed frailties further back, none more so than between the sticks after Bayindir‘s disastrous attempt to clear a corner resulted in the winner.

Man United remain in the race for Gianluigi Donnarumma despite Man City’s emergence as a possible destination for the Italian, but if there’s one area in which the Red Devils need improvement, it’s the one which could be solved by signing PSG’s number one.

Related Posts


For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.