9 Duels Won, 91% passing, Man United star can hold his head high after 2-0 Arsenal defeat

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United’s unbeaten run came to an end with a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday evening.

The Red Devils had not tasted defeat in seven games since Erik ten Hag’s final game in the 2-1 loss to West Ham.

Ruben Amorim had not lost a league match in 360 days ahead of the trip to The Emirates but that record was ended when Manchester United lost 2-0 to Arsenal.

Both of Arsenal’s goals came from corners, with United struggling to deal with their physical threat from set pieces. Jurrien Timber opened the scoring before William Saliba doubled their lead later in the second half.

There were plenty of positives to take for United, including an impressive debut from summer signing Leny Yoro. Another signing in the shape of Manuel Ugarte also had a performance to be proud of.

Manuel Ugarte impresses for Man United vs Arsenal

Amorim continued to rotate his squad with six changes made to his United lineup to face Arsenal.

Kobbie Mainoo was suspended for the Arsenal match so Ugarte returned as a starter alongside Bruno Fernandes.

Up against a midfield trio of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey, Ugarte coped superbly and for long periods of the match United stifled Arsenal’s attack.

Ugarte rattled Arsenal while at Sporting Lisbon and he can hold his head high after being one of United’s better players on Wednesday night.

Here is a closer look at the statistics behind Ugarte’s impressive performance:

Ruben Amorim still yet to unleash his best midfield combination

Amorim’s start as United head coach has been a million miles an hour with games every few days.

Unfortunately, that means Amorim has had to chop and change his side repeatedly, especially in midfield where he wants energy and intensity.

READ MORE: Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal, Rasmus Hojlund struggles in 4/10 display as 8/10 ace has statement game despite loss

In his first four matches, Amorim is still yet to start what many fans would judge to be United’s best midfield combination – Mainoo and Ugarte.

Up next for United is Nottingham Forest’s trip to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. After playing 90 minutes against Arsenal, Ugarte will likely be rested while Mainoo could return to the starting lineup after serving his suspension.