United show signs of improvement after Arsenal defeat

Manchester United show early promise from Cunha and Mbeumo as they lose to Arsenal, while Amorim faces questions over depth and consistency.

Manchester United secure double signing after Arsenal defeat

Manchester United opened their 2025/26 campaign with a 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal. The debuting front pair Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo started and offered novelty in attack, helping United press higher and threaten more than in recent campaigns. United finished with an expected goals total of 1.59, ahead of Arsenal on 1.05, and dominated possession at 61.2 percent with 22 shots and seven on target, though a costly error by goalkeeper Altay Bayindir kept a point out of reach.

The result underlines a broader shift under Ruben Amorim, who spent the pre-season shaping a more aggressive and organized side. Finishing remains a concern and goalkeeping depth is under scrutiny, but the performance provides optimism that the new signings can supply the creative spark the team lacked last season. Sesko is expected to add goals if he gets sufficient service, and a midfield reinvestment remains a priority as United look to translate control into points in the coming fixtures against Fulham and Burnley.

The early signs matter because they show a plan is taking shape. Cunha and Mbeumo bring creativity, speed and unpredictability that could unlock Sesko if they keep finding him in the right positions. But there is a thin line between improvement and overreliance on new arrivals. The transfer window is still open, and United cannot pretend the gaps in midfield and goalkeeping have vanished.

The bigger trend to watch is whether Amorim can convert this momentum into consistent results. A few wrong turns in matches can erode belief quickly, especially with a schedule that includes European competition on the horizon. If the club can translate control into points in the next few fixtures, fans will start to believe this rebuild is more than a story.

Highlights

The road ahead will reveal how quickly this rebuild lands.