How ‘desperately unlucky’ Man Utd showed signs of progress

Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat by Arsenal is a prime example of how a team can still be very optimistic about their performance as a pundit even when they lose.

United showed on Sunday how effective their system is and how effective its new signings will be in the process after conceding an absurd early goal that ultimately proved decisive.

They were more dynamic and direct, as I stated on Match of the Day. They appeared extremely strong physically as well.

They essentially had much more courage when they attempted to win the ball back because of their higher level of quality.

We are aware that Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-1 formation will not be altered, and United are back in good shape again.

This time around, United had a much more positive attitude about how things were set up, regardless of whether they were in possession or not.

Their wing-backs Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu were first and foremost high up in the game, and Amad Diallo’s replacement, Dalot, made things even more attack-minded.

Amorim took a chance by pressing a team that was superior to Arsenal, and they struggled to capitalize on that in the first half when the Gunners overcame their press and made the most of their overloads.

United should be on the front foot because they were at home, so they should be. What I really liked about them was how they handled the game against Arsenal, which they rarely did against other top teams last season, even when they won.

Although United occasionally appeared a little ragged, overall the team’s balance and intensity were excellent.

The debutants for United, who were newly acquired, were a big part of their better performance.

Although it is just one game, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha appeared to be the players United hopes they will be.

I have a big admiration for Mikel Arteta’s work at Arsenal, and one of his strengths has been that they have the upper hand in most of their matches and have a direct impact on the opposition’s pace for many seasons.

Because of United’s drive, bravery, and determination to try to pursue them, they did not have that control at Old Trafford. All of that also defensively assisted Amorim’s side.

United were repeatedly caught in possession last season when they attempted to play from the back several times. That was hardly noticeable on Sunday.

United’s front line was essentially nonexistent last season. They would simply run over them because they didn’t want to fear them.

They now have reliable, confident attackers who can frighten opponents’ defenders. That immediately earns them respect.

That was apparent against the Gunners. Arsenal’s defenders sat in rather than trying to advance because United wanted to move the ball forward quickly because they were concerned about Cunha and Mbeumo.

Knowing Cunha and Mbeumo would keep the ball, the United wing-backs were always ready to move forward in support as well. Another big plus was that Mason Mount also had a fantastic game.

You started to feel more and more like a United equalizer was on the way.

United still has some lingering doubts, after all, they obviously weren’t perfect because they lost.

Manuel Ugarte or Casemiro might need a new central midfielder in place of Bruno Fernandes, but I’m sure not everyone will agree. They might also need someone with more power to do some more running for him.

The team’s goalkeeper situation is in doubt, which they also lost again with Altay Bayindir’s mistake and Riccardo Calafiori’s winner.

To lose to a goal like that is frustrating, especially if it has already happened to them.

Although there was disappointment on the day, United still had a chance to improve with this game.

You always want to see some improvement, especially at this very early stage of the season, and United’s display demonstrates that.

As the team gets better and more used to the manager’s system right now, the players become more at ease with their relationships on the field, and the new signings start to settle in.

They also need to put their struggles from the previous season behind them and continue to play with some optimism and conviction.

All of that occurred against Arsenal.

Even though they lost, every team that plays up against them will be wary of the outcome.