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Ruben Amorim's shocking decision costs Man Utd as Arsenal beat Red Devils during Prem opener

Manchester United's Premier League season is off to a poor start, as the Red Devils registered an opening day loss after Arsenal's trip to Old Trafford

[Man Utd's Premier League season is off to a poor start]

Man Utd's Premier League season is off to a poor start(Image: Getty Images)

Ruben Amorim's decision to not pursue a goalkeeper over the summer cost Manchester United as they got their season underway.

Altay Bayndr's disastrous mistake in the first hour cost the Red Devils all three points as Arsenal look to make the jump to the top spot after finishing runners-up for the past three seasons.

Amorim had, according to reports, mulled over looking for a new shot-stopper in the summer - after an inconsistent campaign from Andre Onana. The Red Devils had been linked to Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is set to leave PSG.

While sensational reports over the weekend suggested the Old Trafford outfit were exploring a potential return for Fiorentina's David De Gea. Heading into to Sunday's clash Onana was unavailable for the opening fixture, after suffering an injury.

And so the job fell to Bayndr, who had also struggled between the sticks for United last season.

[Altay Bayindir ]

Altay Bayindir's cost the Red Devils(Image: Getty Images)

United had been the quicker starters of the pair as Arsenal looked to shake off some early season rust.

Bryan Mbeumo looked inspired - as the new signing showed off his talents on his debut proper for Amorim's side. He was a constant threat to the Gunners down the right hand flank in the opening exchanges.

And yet, with all of United's pressure, it was Arsenal who broke the deadlock with a familiar route. Mikel Arteta's side had been the corner kings last season - and that looks set to continue this campaign.

[Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025.]

Arsenal only needed one goal to claim all three points(Image: AP)

Arsenal's corner was placed directly on the head Bayndr, who flapped at the ball, placing it into the path of Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian nodded home for the only goal of the game - Arsenal had some more chances, but nothing truly tested the Turkish shot-stopper. Instead, it was United who had the better chances.

Mbeumo brought out the acrobatics, while Amad Diallo also had a couple of chances batted away by David Raya.

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It was desperation defending from Arsenal as William Saliba made a vital block while Jurrien Timber was booked for time-wasting.

United were digging deeper and deeper with Harry Maguire making his now semi-regular cameo up front.

However, it was all to no avail as Amorim kicked off his first full-season as United boss with a loss.

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