Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the Ruben Amorim era against Arsenal on Wednesday, losing 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Jurrien Timber and William Saliba both scored from corners to make the difference and gain two points on Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Barring the Gunners’ sixth and seventh set-piece goals of the season, Amorim will take some positives back up to Manchester amidst a hectic festive period.
Express Sport runs through the United player ratings from a losing effort in north London.
Man Utd player ratings vs Arsenal
Andre Onana: 3
He’s been the Premier League’s best goalkeeper this season but fingers will always be pointed at the No. 1 if both goals are scored from corners. Had to come off his line for Arsenal’s second.
Matthijs de Ligt: 6
Tested David Raya with a looping second-half header – United’s best effort – as part of a solid performance.
Harry Maguire: 8
A defensive general on his first start under Amorim. Won all of his duels, all of his tackles and completed four of five attempted long balls as part of a 96 per cent pass accuracy.
Noussair Mazraoui: 6
Covered Tyrell Malacia well down the left, thwarting Bukayo Saka, but certainly prefers his natural right side.
Diogo Dalot: 6
Offered a passing option often enough but couldn’t fuel any attacking threat.
Manuel Ugarte: 6
Won more duels than any other player on the pitch but also lost seven of them.
Bruno Fernandes: 5
Looked lost at times as he desperately scoured the pitch in search of the ball. Playing deeper is not his favoured position, in fairness.
Tyrell Malacia: 7
With support from Noussair Mazraoui, bottled the threat of one of Europe’s most in-form wingers brilliantly on his first Premier League start since May 2023.
Mason Mount: 4
So quiet. Took just 15 touches in an hour.
Alejandro Garnacho: 6
Drew four fouls before making way on the hour mark but was part of a tepid attacking display from the visitors.
