Man United 0-1 Arsenal: Player ratings as subpar Gunners secure slender opening win

Arsenal secured a slender 1-0 win away to Manchester United in their opening game of the 2025/26 Premier League season, despite a subpar performance at Old Trafford.

Looking to start the season positively, Mikel Arteta named a strong lineup with Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi making their competitive debuts. There were too shocks however, with Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori starting on either side of defence instead of Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

United dominated the opening stages with new addition Bryan Mbeumo causing problems for the Gunners down the right flank. Arsenal looked slightly nervy with Zubimendi and William Saliba putting in risky challenges, but avoiding bookings inside 10 minutes.

It was Arteta's side who struck first however and it was in familiar fashion when Declan Rice's corner was dealt with poorly by Altay Bayindir before Calafiori headed in from practically on the line.

The hosts had a good chance to hit back immediately when Zubimendi conceded a free kick on the edge of his side's box. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take it, but his strike was blocked well by the Gunners' wall.

Patrick Dorgu almost brought his side level with a thunderous attempt from range, but his effort struck the foot of the post. Martin Odegaard then tried to beat Bayindir from the edge of the area after skipping round the United defence, but saw his strike saved.

David Raya was Arsenal's hero when he reacted brilliantly to deny Matheus Cunha from a tight angle with an outstanding save. The Gunners continued to defend well amid plenty of pressure from the hosts to ensure they went into the break ahead.

Both sides looked to attack after half-time with Gyokeres having some half chances for his side. Mbeumo continued to cause Arsenal's backline problems and was almost sent clean through on goal, but some good battling from Gabriel Magalhaes prevented that.

With Arteta shuffling the pack, substitutes Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke combined well to set Rice up, whose strike from range was blocked well. Fernandes then went close to bringing the hosts level before Mbeumo saw an acrobatic effort flash just past the post.

The Cameroon international caused yet more problems and had a header kept out in brilliant fashion by Raya, who sprung to his left to get his hand to the effort. Rice had an opportunity to double the Gunners' lead from a free kick, but his curled strike was deflected out for a corner.

Arsenal continued to throw themselves forward when possible, but United maintained their momentum throughout the closing stages. The hosts had some penalty shouts waved away as they kept up their relentless pressure.

It was the Gunners who prevailed however to start their league campaign with a win despite a shaky performance in front of their travelling.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their slender 1-0 win at Man United.

Man United 0-1 Arsenal player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 7.5/10 - Got caught on the ball by Cunha and was lucky not to concede a penalty. Made amends with a world-class save to deny the Brazilian an equaliser. Prevented Mbeumo from equalising with another great stop in the second-half. Booked late on for delaying the restart.

Ben White (RB) - 6.5/10 - Allowed a few attacks to progress down his flank after getting caught high up the pitch. Did make some good advanced runs however. Withdrawn with just under 20 minutes to play.

William Saliba (CB) - 7/10 - Avoided a booking in the early stages of the game when he put in a risky challenge. Looked slightly shaky alongside Gabriel, allowing United a few chances, but showed improvement following the break.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - 7/10 - Somewhat nervy before the break. Allowed the hosts some space to break through and failed to prevent Cunha running through at goal. Improved after half-time, doing brilliantly to put Mbeumo off when one-on-one.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - 7/10 - Made good movement in the box to head his side into the lead from a corner. Picked up a booking after pulling Mbeumo back just before the break. Taken off midway through the second-half.

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