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Manchester United traveled to London today hoping to defy the odds and knock Arsenal out of the FA Cup.
Altai Bajndir made a rare start in goal, giving him a chance to bounce back after a disappointing performance in December’s Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt formed a back three, with Nousser Mazrawi and Diogo Daro once again filling the wing-back positions.
Manuel Ugarte and Coby Mainu once again started as the midfield pair, and there was also the return of Alejandro Garnacho to the team, despite numerous rumors linking the Argentine with his departure from the club.
With Amad Diallo being benched this week with a minor bruise, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund completed the attack as usual.
Here are four things I learned from this match.
United remain close in the first half of their away game against a top team.
The first half ended 0-0 and United’s first 45 minutes were almost exactly like their match at the Emirates in December.
While the Red Devils had more possession last month, I was pleased with the solid defense in this game, but Arsenal had very few chances in the first half of both games. In fact, the Gunners failed to get a shot on target.
United kept a clean sheet in the first 45 minutes of last week’s game against Anfield, and only conceded one goal away to Tottenham and Manchester City.
As a result, they have conceded only two goals in the first five away games against local top teams, which shows that Amorim has a deeper understanding of the system and has moved away from the chaotic ball that was coached by Erik ten Hag. I’m doing it.
Red Devils need to bring more offensive threats
United looked good in their defensive organization in the first half, but struggled to pose much of a threat with the ball.
In fact, although United had more shots on target than the home side in the opening 45 minutes, they actually posed little threat offensively.
It has been a recurring theme at the club long before Amorim arrived, as United struggle to fight back.
One of the club’s most famous traditions is its historic ability to attack teams on the break and score lightning goals, but these days this rarely seems to be a feature of the club’s attacking play. .
Amorim wants more possession and slower build-up play, but it is essential in games like this that United’s solid defensive form is balanced with their frightening speed and counter threat. .
The Red Devils certainly proved they have the talent to do so, with Bruno Fernandes scoring the opening goal after doing a great job on the counter from Garnacho. Amorim’s side need to do this more often if they are to truly pose a threat in big away games.
United have a discipline problem
Not only was Fernandes booked for unnecessary dissent in the first half, but Diogo Dalot also received two yellow cards in less than 20 minutes, reducing United to 10 men.
To add insult to injury, Arsenal equalized moments later, making matters worse for the visitors.
United were also reduced to 10 men for Tottenham Hotspur’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day.
Ruben Amorim is clearly laying the foundations of solidity, but this means nothing unless he allows his players to lose their cool when the pressure is really on.
Altai Bindil’s big moment has finally arrived
Bindir’s first big moment as a United player came in the second half when he made a series of fine saves to level the score and send the game into extra time.
He made a brilliant penalty stop for Martin Odegaard and made a fine save to tip over Declan Rice’s header.
The Turkish player also kept the game alive by dropping low nicely to deny Rice’s late shot.
Bindil’s biggest moment came when he saved Kai Havertz’s shot as United led 5-4 in the penalty shootout.
The former Fenerbahce player is unlikely to threaten Andre Onana’s number one spot, but this was the first game in which he made a big impact in a positive way and he is confident this will be the start of his United career. I would hope that it would lead to.
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