Football is a cruel game sometimes. Honestly, if you just looked at the scoreline from the last time Manchester United and Arsenal faced off at Old Trafford, you'd think it was just another routine, disciplined win for Mikel Arteta's side. 1-0. Simple, right? But the actual Man Utd Arsenal highlights tell a completely different story—one involving a backup goalkeeper’s nightmare, a post that’s probably still rattling, and a debut from Benjamin Sesko that has fans talking.
The Riccardo Calafiori sucker punch
It only took 12 minutes for things to go south for the home side. United had actually started with a massive amount of energy, pushing forward with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Then, Arsenal won a corner. Declan Rice swung a teasing ball toward the back post, and Altay Bayindir, filling in for Andre Onana, made a mess of the punch under pressure from William Saliba.
Riccardo Calafiori was right there. He basically just had to nod it over the line from point-blank range.
The stadium went quiet. Well, except for the traveling North Londoners who were losing their minds. Bayindir complained about a foul, but honestly, it was just classic Saliba—strong, imposing, and perfectly legal. That single moment defined the match despite United's dominance for long stretches afterward.
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Woodwork and David Raya’s heroics
If you're looking for the most rewatched moment in the Man Utd Arsenal highlights, it’s probably Patrick Dorgu’s strike. The young wing-back found himself in acres of space on the left and absolutely lashed a shot from outside the box. David Raya was beaten. The Stretford End was already half-standing. Then—thwack. The ball hit the far post and bounced away.
United kept coming. Matheus Cunha, who was easily the best player in red that day, forced a save out of Raya that had no business being made. He cut inside, let fly with a left-footed rocket, and the Spaniard somehow tipped it wide.
It’s easy to say "Arsenal got lucky," but that ignores how well they defend when their backs are against the wall. Saliba and Gabriel were like a brick wall for the final twenty minutes. Even when Ruben Amorim threw on Benjamin Sesko for his highly-anticipated Premier League debut, the Gunners didn't blink. Sesko looked physically imposing, sure, but he barely got a sniff of the ball in the final third because the Arsenal shape was just that tight.
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The tactical shift under Ruben Amorim
Watching the Man Utd Arsenal highlights from this season compared to last year shows a massive tactical shift. United are playing a much higher line. They're actually pressing now. Under Amorim, the "dual number 10s" system with Mason Mount and Cunha looked genuinely dangerous. They dominated possession—68% to Arsenal's 31%—which is a stat you almost never see in this fixture.
However, possession doesn't win games; goals do. Arsenal showed why they are title contenders by managing the game. They didn't need the ball. They just needed that one set-piece mistake.
Key Stats from the Old Trafford Clash
The numbers from this match are kind of wild when you realize Arsenal walked away with all three points. United had 17 shots compared to Arsenal's 10. They won 14 aerial duels. They covered over 109km. Yet, they ended up with zero points. It highlights the main problem United still faces: they can’t turn "good performances" into clinical results.
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What’s next for the rivalry?
We don't have to wait long for the rematch. The two sides meet again on January 25, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium. That game is going to be massive. Arsenal are currently sitting near the top of the table with a five-game winning streak, while United are hovering in 7th, desperate to prove that Amorim’s system can actually beat the "Big Six."
The history between these two is legendary, but the current era is all about tactical discipline versus explosive transition. If United can get Onana back in goal and find a way to make Sesko and Mbeumo click, the return leg won't be as one-sided on the scoreboard.
For those tracking the broader rivalry, Arsenal's win in August 2025 extended their unbeaten streak against United to seven games. That’s a stat that should sting anyone wearing a red shirt in Manchester.
How to use these insights for your next FPL or betting move:
- Watch the corners: Arsenal are the kings of set-piece goals. If Saliba is starting, expect them to target the keeper.
- Cunha is a must-watch: He is the creative engine for United right now. If he’s on the pitch, United will create chances, even if they don't always finish them.
- Don't bet on clean sheets: Despite the 1-0 scoreline, both teams looked vulnerable on the break. The next meeting is likely to have more goals as United becomes more desperate for points.
- Check the lineup for Bayindir vs Onana: As we saw, the goalkeeping choice can literally decide the game in this fixture.
The next time these two face off, the pressure will be even higher. Arsenal is chasing a title, and United is chasing relevance. Keep an eye on the injury reports for Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka, as their presence usually dictates whether Arsenal plays on the front foot or sits back and absorbs pressure like they did at Old Trafford.