Old Trafford witnessed a dramatic start to the 2025/26 Premier League season as Manchester United fell 1-0 to Arsenal, with a costly error from goalkeeper Altay Bayindir proving to be the difference. The defeat undid what was otherwise a promising performance from Ruben Amorim's side, who looked significantly improved compared to their dismal 15th-place finish in the previous season.
The game began with United displaying an intense attacking intent. New signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, making their debuts, injected pace and creativity into the forward line. Patrick Dorgu also impressed, striking the post with a well-aimed shot in the first half. However, Arsenal weathered the early storm and gradually asserted themselves into the match.
The decisive moment arrived in the 13th minute. From a Declan Rice corner, Bayindir, filling in for the injured Andre Onana, failed to deal with the inswinging delivery under pressure from William Saliba. The Turkish goalkeeper's attempted intervention resulted in him flapping the ball into the path of Riccardo Calafiori, who headed home from close range. The error silenced the Old Trafford crowd and put Arsenal in the driver's seat.
Gary Neville, a Manchester United legend, expressed his concern over the team's goalkeeping situation following Bayindir's mistake. He emphasized that the goalkeeper needed to be stronger in that situation. The error has intensified scrutiny on Bayindir, especially with Onana's previous unconvincing performances and current absence due to a hamstring injury. Some fans even suggested that Bayindir's performance was worse than Onana's, calling for the club to sell him.
Despite going behind, Manchester United responded well and created numerous opportunities to equalize. Cunha and Mbeumo continued to threaten, while Dorgu's earlier effort showed his potential. However, they found Arsenal's goalkeeper, David Raya, in inspired form. The Arsenal shot-stopper produced a string of important saves, earning him the man-of-the-match award and denying United's comeback attempts.
Arsenal's defense, known for its resilience, held firm against United's persistent pressure. New signings Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi also featured for Arsenal. Although United had more possession, shots, and touches in the opposition box, they couldn't find a way past Raya and the organized Arsenal backline.
The match saw substitutions from both sides, with Benjamin Sesko making his debut for Manchester United. Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke were among the substitutes for Arsenal.
Ultimately, Arsenal's early goal, gifted by Bayindir's error, proved enough to secure the victory. While Manchester United showed positive signs of improvement under Ruben Amorim, the goalkeeping blunder highlighted a key area of concern that needs addressing. Arsenal, on the other hand, began their Premier League title challenge with a hard-fought three points, demonstrating their ability to grind out results even when not at their attacking best. They have finished second for the past three seasons.
