Manchester United supporters have consistently expressed their discontent regarding the club’s ownership throughout the season, but the intensity of their protests escalated during the match against Arsenal. Approximately 5,000 fans participated in a pre-match march from The Tollgate pub to Old Trafford, and there was a notable reaction to the anti-Glazer chants that accompanied the game.
The home crowd largely engaged with the chant of ‘stand up if you Glazers,’ and there was a palpable hostility directed towards both the American owners and Jim Ratcliffe, heightening the atmosphere of dissent.
While the protest was certainly significant, one must question its actual impact, given that Old Trafford remains fully booked. Despite financial constraints leading to job cuts and increased ticket prices, attendance figures have not declined. Future repercussions may become more pronounced, yet there is a compelling argument that a more effective form of protest would involve boycotting matches to strike at the owners’ financial interests. Although it is unfortunate that it has come to this, it may be the only viable option.
‘Surprise’ decision backfires
Ruben Amorim appeared to be strategically preparing for the forthcoming match against Real Sociedad when he chose to rest Rasmus Hojlund during the game against Arsenal. Although the Danish striker has not found the net in his last 20 outings for the club, he remains the only experienced senior centre-forward available, with Chido Obi still developing his skills. Amorim attributed his selection decision mainly to considerations of ‘fitness’ but also expressed a desire to ‘surprise’ the Arsenal team by fielding the unconventional Joshua Zirkzee in his place.
Zirkzee has shown promise in recent weeks as an attacking midfielder; however, it is evident that he is not suited to the striker role. His inclination to drop deeper and position himself at the edge of the box limited United’s options for a reliable outlet during the match, resulting in attacks faltering due to a lack of movement in the final third.
Throughout the game, Zirkzee excelled in his role as an attacking midfielder, demonstrating effective hold-up play and pressing. Nevertheless, this approach left United without a central figure in their attacking line. Hojlund, despite his limited time on the pitch, posed a significantly greater threat to the Arsenal defenders. If United seeks a viable alternative to Hojlund, they should consider utilizing Obi instead.
Leny Yoro injury blow
Manchester United faced a significant challenge in their match against Arsenal, as they were already missing 11 players and may now be down to 12. Leny Yoro experienced an injury early in the game but chose to remain on the field to support his team for as long as possible. This commendable determination from the young centre-back could prove detrimental if he is unable to participate in the forthcoming matches.
While United is always eager to compete fiercely against Arsenal, the reality is that the upcoming fixture against Real Sociedad holds greater significance and could be pivotal for their season. There would have been little objection had Yoro been substituted as a precautionary measure to ensure his availability for the midweek encounter.
Patrick Dorgu will provide an additional defensive option for Thursday’s match; however, losing Yoro for such a crucial game would be a considerable setback for the team.
Ayden Heaven takes his chance
There was considerable discussion regarding Chido Obi in anticipation of a potential reunion with Arsenal; however, it was Ayden Heaven who truly demonstrated to his former team what they had overlooked. The 18-year-old was thrust into a challenging situation when he substituted for Leny Yoro at half-time and appeared completely untroubled by the pressure he faced.
Heaven not only exhibited the essential physical qualities necessary for a Premier League defender but also proved to be an ideal candidate for Ruben Amorim’s tactical approach, showcasing his poise on the ball and his capability to initiate play from the back.
Given the current injuries to Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, and Luke Shaw, there is evidently a need for an additional centre-back within the senior squad. The announcement of Hayden as a first-team signing earlier this year raised some eyebrows, but there are now no doubts regarding his readiness for senior competition.