Manchester United clashed with Arsenal in a Premier League encounter on Sunday afternoon, and here are the key talking points from the match.
The reaction to Manchester United lineup when the team news was revealed on the previous day could be best described as “disappointed, but not surprised.”
Rasmus Hojlund made his Manchester United debut against Arsenal
Despite the anticipation surrounding the summer signings, only one of them was included in the starting lineup, with Andre Onana in goal, while Rasmus Hojlund and Sergio Reguilon were named on the bench.
This decision seemed to signify that Erik ten Hag believes that new arrivals not only need to regain match fitness but also require time to acclimate to his style of play before they can be fully integrated into the squad.
Rasmus Hojlund’s performance off the bench arguably outshone Anthony Martial, and the midfield managed to function effectively even in the absence of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat.
The international break should bring Manchester United closer to identifying Erik ten Hag’s preferred starting lineup. However, there are no assurances that any of the summer outfield signings will be immediately integrated into that lineup.
Victor Lindelof inclusion in central defense, especially with Raphael Varane sidelined due to injury, speaks volumes about Harry Maguire’s current situation at the club.
It’s apparent that Maguire is out of favor, and there is a growing sentiment among fans that Jonny Evans might even be ahead of him in the overall defensive hierarchy. Nevertheless, it was Maguire who was called upon when Lisandro Martinez had to leave the pitch due to injury.
Maguire does offer value as a last-resort option to provide a physical presence at both ends of the pitch. However, even in his brief appearance, it was evident that he doesn’t quite fit the system.
While it’s not always the solution to throw money at a problem, fans have legitimate concerns about the lack of a new, younger center-back signed in the summer who aligns better with Erik ten Hag’s tactical approach.
Eriksen role uncertain after two midfield signings
Christian Eriksen’s return to North London was always going to be a significant occasion. He had a stellar start to the previous season, arguably being their standout performer before the World Cup. However, injuries and Manchester United’s overreliance on him took a toll, causing his impact on matches, especially against stronger opponents, to diminish in the latter part of the campaign.
Eriksen’s best-suited role still lies in creating opportunities against tight defenses, but on Sunday, he was tasked with more defensive responsibilities against a hardworking midfield.
His long-term place in the squad may be in jeopardy with Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat both expected to be available after the international break, along with the emergence of youngster Kobbie Mainoo as a contender.
Eriksen needed a standout performance, and what we witnessed was a mixture of his brilliance and his limitations. His world-class pass set up Marcus Rashford’s opening goal, but his defensive shortcomings left Martin Odegaard unmarked, leading to Arsenal’s swift equalizer.
Rashford’s latest reminder
You don’t need to ask any Manchester United fan or even Rashford himself about his best position; it’s clear.
Rashford is most effective on the left wing, where he can utilize his pace to run at defenders, use his dribbling skills to beat them, and then cut inside to unleash a powerful shot on goal. That’s precisely what he demonstrated against Arsenal.
While there were concerns that Rashford might have to play as a striker due to Hojlund not being ready to start, his threat in a wide role justified the decision to start Anthony Martial instead.
Once Hojlund is fully acclimated, Manchester United could potentially have an exciting and well-balanced front three, with both Rashford and Antony benefiting from having a natural center-forward with whom they can combine effectively.
Hojlund shows what he has to offer
While it might not have been a perfect debut, Manchester United fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about Rasmus Hojlund after his 25-minute appearance against Arsenal.
For much of the game, United lacked a physical presence up front, and the 20-year-old provided that focal point in attack. Even without touching the ball, he created space by battling with Gabriel Magalhães for possession.
His standout moment nearly sealed the game, as his clever flick in midfield set up Casemiro, but Alejandro Garancho was narrowly offside before his superb finish into the bottom corner.
There will be a lot of attention on Hojlund’s goal tally this season, but it’s already evident that he brings more to United than just scoring goals.
Manchester United has been in need of a traditional center-forward, and it appears they may have found one in Hojlund.
United’s dreadful away record continues
One of the few silver linings for Manchester United is that they won’t have to make another trip to North London this season. Following their defeat at Tottenham two weeks ago, they now face another disheartening loss at Arsenal.
United’s freakish home form was the backbone of their third-place finish last season, and they were a shell of themselves whenever they went on the road to any top side.
United have now lost eight of their last nine matches against top-eight sides, including their results last season, and you wouldn’t back them to turn it around soon.
With the competition so fierce this season, Ten Hag will know that improving United’s away form could hold the key to them achieving their ambitions.
