Man Utd Player Ratings: Harry Maguire Shines in First Half, but Amorim’s Mason Mount Experiment Fails Spectacularly

ARSENAL’S set-piece coach handed Ruben Amorim his first defeat against Manchester United.

Two meticulously executed corner strategies allowed Jurrien Timber and William Saliba to score, resulting in a dominant performance by Mikel Arteta’s team.

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On the other hand, United has slipped back into the lower half of the standings, now only three points adrift of Nottingham Forest, who occupy the last European position.

Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield evaluated the Manchester United players…

ANDRE ONANA – 5

He was fortunate early in the match when a misplaced pass almost allowed Gabriel Martinelli to score, only for the linesman to raise his flag.

Struggled to assert himself in the box as 5’10” Jurrien Timber jumped highest to find the back of the net, before the ball found its way to the back post for Arsenal to net their second set-piece goal.

DIOGO DALOT – 6

At the end of the first half, he sent a shot just wide after finally making a forward run.

Defended decently, though he posed more of a threat in attack.

MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6

Had a solid partnership with Maguire in the first half, leaving fans hoping he will recover quickly after a minor injury.

Needed to take on a more commanding role in the box to avoid being overpowered by Arsenal at set pieces.

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HARRY MAGUIRE – 7

Produced a commendable first-half performance, looking solid throughout.

Not responsible for Timber’s header finding the net, before being substituted for Leny Yoro.

NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6

Playing as a left-sided center-back, he appeared quite composed, showcasing the Moroccan’s versatility.

However, he still seemed more effective in the position that Malacia and Dalot occupied as a left-wingback.

TYRELL MALACIA – 3

Struggled physically against Bukayo Saka on the left flank and was booked for kicking out at Kai Havertz.

Did not offer anything in attack, and his combination play with Garnacho was virtually non-existent. Substituted at halftime for the much more dangerous Amad.

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MANUEL UGARTE – 5

Booked early in the match, he struggled to make an impact and was not very effective on the ball.

Managed to clear a Joshua Zirkzee header from his line, preventing Arsenal from extending their lead shortly after halftime.

BRUNO FERNANDES – 4

This match needed Bruno Fernandes to take control, but he was unable to find the rhythm to do so.

Played a deeper position alongside Ugarte, which limited his ability to contribute offensively.

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MASON MOUNT – 3

Positioning Mount at right wing was a gamble by Amorim reminiscent of a failed experiment at Chelsea.

He often faded into the half-space, making him virtually ineffective going forward.

Substituted during the second half following a lackluster performance.

ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5

Had a subdued first half marked by only one decent cross that led to a second half where he was quickly replaced by Marcus Rashford.

Overall, very quiet.

RASMUS HOJLUND – 6

Showed determination against the physical William Saliba early in the match, but his teammates struggled to create opportunities for him.

Looked frustrated for most of the game, which was understandable.

Signing Gyokeres won’t matter if the team can’t produce chances for him to finish.

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SUBS

AMAD (TYRELL MALACIA, HT) – 5

Displayed a more direct approach and was clearly an upgrade over Malacia, even playing on the opposite side.

Nevertheless, he wasn’t able to make the impact that Ruben Amorim was hoping for.

MARCUS RASHFORD (MASON MOUNT, 72) – 5

After a string of impressive performances under Amorim, he was unable to provide any spark against an opponent he has enjoyed good results against in recent times.

JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (ALEJANDRO GARNACHO, 72) – 4

Following a strong performance last time, he failed to contribute anything significant to the team’s attack today.

The most dangerous moment for him was a header that nearly resulted in an own goal.

LENY YORO (HARRY MAGUIRE, 72) – 6

Looked like a competent defender overall; a tough match for a young center-back, but he handled himself well.

ANTONY (RASMUS HOJLUND, 79) – 5

Participated in a clever free-kick routine towards the end of the game but ultimately misplayed his opportunity, hitting it straight at David Raya.