Manchester United’s Set-Piece Struggles Expose Glaring Weakness Against Arsenal

Manchester United endured their first defeat under Ruben Amorim in a rain-soaked clash at the Emirates Stadium, as Arsenal’s mastery of set-pieces proved too much to handle. The 2-0 loss highlighted a persistent Achilles’ heel for United, with both goals coming from corners, despite visible pre-match efforts to shore up their defense in such scenarios.

Arsenal’s Set-Piece Precision

United’s meticulous preparation for Arsenal’s renowned set-piece routines ultimately failed to deliver results. Jurrien Timber opened the scoring early in the second half, heading home from a corner that showcased Arsenal’s relentless execution. Minutes later, William Saliba doubled the lead with another well-timed header from a corner, leaving United’s defense looking fatigued and overwhelmed.

Arsenal’s set-piece dominance has become a hallmark of their play under Mikel Arteta, combining precise delivery and clever movement. Despite numerous drills during warm-ups, United were unable to cope with the Gunners’ aggressive runs from the back post to the front, a signature tactic that repeatedly created high-value opportunities.

A Frustrated Amorim Demands More

United’s defensive solidity in the first half had kept Arsenal at bay, but their lack of attacking intent frustrated Amorim. The Portuguese manager was visibly animated on the touchline, urging his players to be more daring in possession and to show greater cohesion in the final third. Moves often stalled, forcing the team to recycle possession rather than advance decisively.

Amorim’s animated instructions were particularly focused on countering Martin Ødegaard’s influence. Arsenal’s captain orchestrated play from deep and wide areas, creating space for Bukayo Saka to exploit. United’s defense, particularly Noussair Mazraoui, struggled to track Ødegaard effectively, allowing Arsenal to stretch the play.

Defensive Setup Falls Short

While United’s preparation for set-pieces was evident, it was undone by Arsenal’s quality and execution. The Red Devils faced 13 corners in total, with several near-misses hinting at the inevitable. Carlos Fernandes, tasked with set-piece coaching duties, couldn’t prevent Arsenal’s dominance, despite constant adjustments from the technical area.

United now sit 11th in the Premier League standings and face a crucial match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford this weekend. For Amorim, the defeat underscores the need for tactical refinement and greater intensity in key moments, particularly against elite opponents.

Raising Standards at United

Although the defeat was disappointing, Amorim’s high standards signal a shift in mindset at Old Trafford. He expects more than just defensive resilience; he wants a team capable of dictating games in every phase. This loss will serve as a benchmark for improvement, as United look to balance defensive stability with attacking ambition under their new manager.

The defeat may sting, but it’s clear Amorim is setting a foundation for United’s long-term growth—one that demands excellence in preparation and execution, especially against the league’s top sides.