Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha shone but Altay Bayindir struggled as Manchester United lost 1-0 to Arsenal on the opening weekend of the Premier League. Cunha and Mbeumo were both named in the starting line up, with Benjamin Sesko on the bench while Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund both missed out altogether.
United started as the better side but fell behind when Bayindir was bullied from a corner and Riccardo Calafiori headed the ball over the line from close range. Ruben Amorim’s side responded well to the setback and went close when Patrick Dorgu fired an effort against the post and Cunha drew a fine stop from David Raya.
Mbuemo fired a spectacular overhead effort just wide of the post and then saw a header saved by Raya as United searched for a deserved equaliser. It wasn’t to come as an improved United side fell short in both boxes. Here is how the United players rated:
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1. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Altay Bayindir of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester United player ratings against Arsenal on the opening weekend of the Premier League | Getty Images
2. Altay Bayindir - 4
Just not good enough. He was beaten far too easily from the corner and undid all the good work of his team. | Getty Images
3. Leny Yoro - 6
He did enough at the back but didn’t offer enough in terms of his build-up play. A reminder of how raw a talent he still is. | Getty Images
4. Matthijs De Ligt - 6
A decent no-nonsense defensive performance. He cleared everything that came his way and coped with Viktor Gyokeres well. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images