Manchester United’s team spirit was on full display during the dramatic FA Cup win over Arsenal.
The Red Devils had to overcome several hurdles to beat the 14-time FA Cup winners on Sunday, but Ruben Amorim’s side dug deep and got the job done.
Altay Bayindir was Manchester United’s hero after saving two penalties – one in normal time and one in the shootout. Just days after being hooked against Newcastle United, Joshua Zirkzee then won the tie for United by scoring the decisive penalty.
But there was so much more to United’s performance than just the shootout. Harry Maguire was “absolutely immense” at the back alongside Matthijs de Ligt, while Manuel Ugarte channelled his inner Roy Keane.
After a gruelling 120-minute display from United, the five penalty-takers chosen by Amorim and his staff were flawless from the spot.
What Manuel Ugarte and Andre Onana did before penalty shootout
After saving two penalties and making several world-class stops during the match, Bayindir may have saved his United career.
Just weeks before the Arsenal clash, Bayindir was terrible against Tottenham and it was speculated that it may have been his final game for the club amid rumours of a January exit.
However, he wholly redeemed himself with a superb showing at The Emirates, and his heroics in the shootout put the cherry on top of a wonderful performance.
Just moments before his penalty save against Havertz, journalist Carl Anka spotted a moment where two United teammates went over to encourage Altay Bayindir.
Speaking on the Talk of the Devils podcast, Anka said: “Before the penalty shootout, there was a little moment where Manuel Ugarte and Andre Onana were geeing up Bayindir.
“Proper pushing and shoving him, like, ‘You got this, you got this’, and I’m going… ‘this is good’.
“This United team isn’t at the level of Amorim’s Sporting, but they are beginning to understand that if you graft really hard, it will come.”
Ruben Amorim’s call is answered at Man United
Since arriving at Carrington, Amorim has not been afraid to challenge this United squad.
Ahead of a huge trip to Liverpool, Amorim accused his players of being “nervous” and “afraid”. The result? United’s best performance of the season.
Amorim was still frustrated at the Liverpool result and demanded that the club’s leaders step up and take responsibility.
“We have to cope with that. We need the leaders to step up to help the other guys – and I’m the most responsible person here to improve the performances,” Amorim said.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim has fixed Man Utd’s biggest weakness inherited from Erik ten Hag in just two months
That call has been answered by several United stars. Bruno Fernandes showed his leadership qualities after scoring against Arsenal, while former captain Maguire has proven his worth to Amorim and the squad.
Just weeks ago, there were huge question marks over the attitude of United’s squad, but now Amorim has found out who he can trust.
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