Hero Bayındır and tireless Jorginho: player ratings for Arsenal vs Manchester United match

A surprise outcome!

The marquee match of the FA Cup third round saw Arsenal hosting Manchester United at the Emirates.

This wasn’t the first time Arsenal faced Manchester United under Ruben Amorim. In their earlier Premier League clash, the Gunners had comfortably triumphed 2-0.

But since then, United has grown stronger. Today, despite a controversial red card for Diogo Dalot, the Red Devils emerged victorious! Arsenal dominated the game throughout with 71% possession, 26 shots, and an xG of 3.22 (compared to United’s meager 0.27). Yet, they failed to convert their chances, even from their trademark set pieces.

Manchester United opted for a counterattacking approach and executed it flawlessly, even with a numerical disadvantage. Bravo to the Red Devils!

Top performers for Manchester United

Altay Bayındır

The undisputed hero of the match. While not always perfect, Bayındır delivered an extraordinary performance. He saved Ødegaard’s penalty in regulation time, made six critical saves during the game, and punched away several dangerous crosses. Most importantly, he produced a decisive stop in the penalty shootout to secure victory for United.

Harry Maguire

A polarizing figure on the pitch. On one hand, Maguire was a defensive workhorse with 19 defensive actions, including five blocked shots — a staggering amount. On the other, he nearly cost his team with a clumsy challenge on Havertz, leading to a penalty (luckily saved by Bayındır).

Joshua Zirkzee

Zirkzee came on in the 81st minute, and his impact was immediate. United had been counterattacking all game, but Zirkzee brought a new level of danger to their transitions. He created several brilliant chances, though none were converted. Nonetheless, his performance deserved recognition.

Manchester United player ratings:

• Bayındır A. - 9
• Garnacho A. - 7
• Dalot D. - 4
• de Ligt M. - 7
• Diallo A. - 7
• Zirkzee J. - 8
• Yoro L. - 7
• Collier T. - 6
• Maguire H. - 8
• Mazraoui N. - 8
• Malacia T. - 7
• Martínez L. - 7
• Mainoo K. - 6
• Ugarte M. - 6
• Fernandes B. - 8
• Højlund R. - 6

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Top performers for Arsenal:

Martin Ødegaard

Ødegaard delivered a masterclass in playmaking with 10 key passes, many of them dangerous crosses from set pieces. His xA stood at 2.0, complemented by three shots and 20 passes into the final third. Despite his efforts, Arsenal fell short.

Kai Havertz

It might seem surprising to see Havertz listed here after his missed penalty in the shootout, but he was Arsenal’s most active presence in the box. With five shots and several golden chances, he kept the pressure on United’s defense. He also earned four fouls, including one that resulted in Ødegaard’s missed penalty.

Jorginho

A quiet but pivotal presence. While the spotlight was on Arsenal’s attack, Jorginho anchored the midfield with seven defensive actions, 11 successful tackles, and four fouls won — critical for Arsenal’s set-piece opportunities.

Arsenal player ratings:

• Gabriel - 7
• Ødegaard M. - 8
• Jesus G. - (injured early, wishing him a speedy recovery)
• Jorginho - 8
• Lewis-Skelly M. - 6
• Martinelli G. - 7
• Merino M. - 6
• Partey T. - 6
• Rice D. - 7
• Raya D. - 7
• Saliba W. - 6
• Sterling R. - 7
• Timber J. - 7
• Tierney K. - (too few minutes played)
• Trossard L. - 6
• Havertz K. - 8