Manchester United were at the Emirates on Wednesday night to take on Arsenal in Premier League action.
It was the first major challenge for Ruben Amorim as he met Mikel Arteta on the sideline with neither getting the better of the game in early proceedings.
Manchester United saw Arsenal take the lead through a set-piece – as feared pre-match – although, besides this, Andre Onana had very little to do.
Arsenal’s lead was doubled through yet another corner, which must be an area of concern for Amorim.
The game showed Amorim that he has a lot of work to do, but we already knew that.
Andreas Georgson has a lot of questions to answer
The chief set-piece coach at United is Swede Andreas Georgson, but after Arsenal schooled the Red Devils from corners, he has a lot of questions to answer with both goals coming via a corner.
Almost every single corner was a threat and troubled the United backline which stood static as the Gunners executed their routine.
Having been kept by Amorim, this will no doubt be something the Portuguese head coach will want to see improved going forward.
Amorim makes huge difference defensively
Throughout the past 24 months, away days against other big six sides was a daunting task for United as under Erik ten Hag, far too often it ended in a thrashing.
However, in the first run out against a top opponent under Amorim, United made a real game of it, looking so organised off the ball and brave on the ball – limiting the home side to corners.
Despite conceding the two corner goals, other than that, Arsenal did not create a lot and Amorim should be pleased with the defensive aspect of the performance at least.
Harry Maguire returns with a bang for Manchester United
After weeks out injured, Harry Maguire returned to the starting line-up against Arsenal and he looked like a new signing.
Used in the centre of the back three, Maguire took on all comers and dominated the Arsenal attack.
- 59 minutes played
- 44/46 passes completed
- 54 touches
- 2/2 tackles won
- 3/3 duels won
The Englishman definitely has a role to play at Old Trafford for Amorim.
The idea is clear for United but Wednesday night was a struggle
When appointed head coach last month, Amorim told fans there would be an idea quickly implemented but that there would be some tough days ahead.
This was absolutely one of those days with the Red Devils failing to get much going in an attacking sense, finding little balance between defence and offence.
Few would have expected a win against Arsenal considering it is very early days with this new system, but the areas of improvement are clear for Amorim – which he will be happy with.
United not far off Arsenal at all
Despite not shining offensively, United competed at least for the opening 45 minutes toe to toe with one of the leagues best.
This is after seven or eight training sessions – which has us very excited for the finished product of this system in the coming months as it improves.
Plenty of work to do and it will take time. But United are not a million miles off.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/sxJzglD