Arsenal's two goals were scored by Timber and Saliba from corners. It was the first time Man United had conceded two goals from corners in a Premier League game since January 2014.
This was also Ruben Amorim’s first defeat with Man United. Before the match against Arsenal, he emphasized that “stormy days” would come for Man United because the team was still in the process of being perfected.
Time limit for players
Ruben Amorim said he had to “limit the playing time” of some players, because he needed to manage their injury problems, take care of them to get them back to their best form.
Tyrell Malacia's withdrawal midway through the first half, after doing well to keep Bukayo Saka out of the side in the first half, was evidence of that. Harry Maguire and Mason Mount both played for around 60 minutes, while Leny Yoro only played for the final few dozen minutes.
The Portuguese coach made six changes to the starting line-up that beat Everton 4-0. That caused some surprises. Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee, who both scored twice against Everton last time out, were dropped. Even Diallo only came on in the second half.
After the match against Arsenal, Amorim explained that he had to manage the training load by rotating the squad.
Those changes made it difficult to build up play and consistency in Man United's performance. The three strikers in the starting lineup did not have a big positive impact on the game, nor did those who came on.
Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho had no shots. Mount had the fewest touches of any Red Devils starter. Zirkzee was harmless from the start. Rashford even mishandled the ball to give Arsenal a corner for their second goal.
Bruno Fernandes, playing in a deep-lying central midfield role, created a few highlights, including a pass for Matthijs de Ligt and Anthony to finish, but overall United could not break through in the second half, after conceding two goals.
Man United's expected goals under Amorim are currently 0.8 1.07, 0.31 in Premier League games against Ipswich, Everton and Arsenal, suggesting that attacking efficiency remains a concern for Amorim.
“We worked a lot to build the style of play. People can see the structure and the ideas of Man United. But then at the end of the day, Man United needs to improve, be stronger, have more ideas,” Amorim said.
The positives
However, Man United also had bright spots. That was the solidity in the first half. Newcomer Leny Yoro's return from injury was also a plus for Amorim.
The young centre-back, playing on the right of a back three when he came on in the second half, made some intelligent interceptions against Saka and Leandro Trossard.
Amad Diallo also looked like he would fit into the new system Amorim was implementing. The Ivorian had some interesting dribbles and was aggressive in closing down opponents, but that wasn't enough to make a difference.
Man United will host Nottingham in their next Premier League match, which kicks off at 0:30 on December 8.
