Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United 2025/26 Premier League reign began with frustration as Riccardo Calafiori’s first-half header earned Arsenal a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
United’s £200m summer rebuild notably excluded a new goalkeeper, and Amorim’s gamble to start Altay Bayindir in place of injured first-choice Andre Onana backfired.
With Onana sidelined by a hamstring problem all pre-season, the Turkey international was chosen ahead of veteran Tom Heaton – but he was caught out inside 13 minutes.
Declan Rice’s curling corner dropped under the crossbar and Bayindir, rooted to his line, managed only a weak flap that diverted the ball onto Calafiori, the Italian defender bundled home from close range for what proved the game’s only goal.
United improved but wasteful
Despite the early setback, United’s performance carried far more promise than much of last season.
They dominated possession, registered 20 shots – their most in a league match against Arsenal since 2011 – and showcased an intensity that drew applause from supporters at full-time, even in defeat.
New signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo impressed on their debuts, forcing a string of fine saves from David Raya, while Casemiro dictated play from midfield with his range of passing.
Patrick Dorgu shone at wing-back and Matthijs de Ligt marshalled the defence with authority.
But the lack of a cutting edge cost them; Raya denied Cunha three times and clawed out a Mbeumo effort after the break to preserve Arsenal’s lead —a clutch performance that earned him man of the match.
United’s new striker Benjamin Šeško was introduced in the 65th minutes joining fellow newbies Mbeumo and Cunha in front three, replacing Mason Mount shone in a fluid role in front of England boss Thomas Tuchel.
The Slovenian offered United a distinct focal point, but he was up against one of Europe’s sternest centre back pairings in William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.
Amorim has now lost 15 of his 28 Premier League games in charge – the fastest top-flight manager to reach that number of defeats (excluding promoted clubs) since Paul Hart with Portsmouth in 2009.
Arsenal grind it out
For Arsenal, victory came despite an unconvincing display, the focus pre-match was on £64m striker Viktor Gyökeres, making his Premier League debut after arriving from Sporting CP.
The Swedish forward showed glimpses of strength and power but lacked sharpness, having missed much of pre-season while pushing for his transfer.
Gyökeres was jeered off by United fans when replaced by Kai Havertz on the hour, and it was Calafiori – not the headline summer signing – who proved decisive.
Mikel Arteta will welcome the three points but knows his side must tighten up as United repeatedly exposed space behind Arsenal’s defence, particularly when Calafiori pushed forward from left-back.
Still, the Gunners extended their strong recent record against United with a fifth win in six league meetings, providing a platform to build on as they chase silverware this season.