Man Utd vs Arsenal: ‘Stupid’ Amorim criticised after Premier League opening loss

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is facing renewed criticism for comments made after the Red Devils’ 1-0 defeat by Arsenal on Sunday. 

Despite reaching the Europa League final last season, the Portuguese manager was unable to inspire his team in the league as the 13-time Premier League champions finished the 2024-25 campaign in 15th place. 

Entering this season with the promise of attacking firepower after the signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, Old Trafford supporters likely hoped for an improvement. 

However, they were beaten by Arsenal in Sunday’s league opener. 

The game’s only goal came in the 13th minute when Declan Rice's corner was not handled cleanly by United's goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, and Riccardo Calafiori capitalised on the shot-stopper’s error

Despite the setback, United responded well with new signings Mbeumo and Cunha creating multiple chances and pressuring Arsenal’s defence. 

David Raya made key saves in goal, as United pushed for an equaliser; however, the Gunners’ backline held firm, securing the win with a strong defensive display.

While 15 of his 28 Premier League matches in charge have ended in defeat, Amorim was pleased with the Red Devils’ performance on Sunday, citing their improved aggression without the ball and enhanced quality in possession. 

"We have players to win any game in the Premier League," Amorim told Sky Sports via beIN Sports. "We need to focus and forget about the noise.

"We are fighting for the places, that is a good thing, but we are playing as a team, it doesn't matter who is playing, we want to win games.

"I'm really proud of the guys. They were really brave in everything they did during the game," Amorim told Sky Sports.

"We deserved a different result and we need to move forward to the next one. We were more aggressive than last year.

"We went one against one all the game and we pressed high. We had quality with the ball. Even when the stadium made some sounds, we continued to play the way we play.

"You always feel in the game they can do something, not just with the ball but without the ball. I am proud of the game we played. We lost and have things to work on.

"We need to win games, but that was completely different to last season."

Amorim’s assessment of Sunday’s match has been reprimanded by 1998 World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf, with the Frenchman taking umbrage at the Portuguese manager’s suggestion that the Red Devils have what it takes to beat any opponent. 

“Amorim made kind of a stupid statement saying they can beat everybody,” said Leboeuf on ESPN. “No, it’s the first day. I think Arsenal weren’t ready. They weren’t at their best.

“But we can see the improvement. We can see that they will be more difficult to beat.” 

Man Utd are 15th after Friday-Sunday matches and before Leeds United host Everton on Monday (today). 

The Red Devils travel to Fulham on Sunday, August 24, aiming for their first victory of the 2025-26 season.