100% aerials won: 50-touch star was United's best player vs Arsenal after Altay, 11 clearances - opinion
Manchester United started the defence of their FA Cup crown with a penalty shoot-out win over Arsenal in the third round on Sunday.
The Red Devils went into the game with some momentum following an impressive 2-2 Premier League draw against Liverpool away from home.
They produced another solid defensive performance in the opening half and took the lead from a wonderful counter-attack in the 52nd minute.
Bruno Fernandes scored a stunner from an Alejandro Garnacho assist.
Diogo Dalot let his team down with his 61st-minute dismissal. Arsenal equalised soon after but could not bag the winner in regulation time.
Atlay Bayindir was the star of the show with six saves, but Harry Maguire was equally impressive in the heart of the defence before his late substitution.
The Englishman had 50 touches against the Gunners. He won all of his aerial duels and made 11 clearances in his 104-minute appearance.
The centre-back received an 8/10 performance rating from the Manchester Evening News.
Arsenal were handed a penalty from a Maguire foul in normal time, but replays showed that there was minimal to no contact on Kai Havertz.
Bayindir made amends with a brilliant save to deny Martin Odegaard. This paved the way for an impressive shoot-out win where Bayindir saved Havertz’s spot-kick.
United have had two exceptional results against Liverpool and Arsenal on the road. The fans will hope this can transform the club’s Premier League fortunes.
The club are languishing 13th in the standings with 23 points but can climb the table with home games against Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.
Article written by Sri Aswin .