Manchester United demonstrated significant determination and strength against Arsenal. Even after more than an hour of playing with just 10 players, their enthusiasm and drive remained strong. When Ruben Amorim joined United, the team appeared to be lacking energy, filled with players who seemed directionless and willing to give up at the first chance. After two months and six losses in his first 11 matches, the Portuguese seems to be making progress in communicating effectively with his players. In under two weeks, United transformed from a team expected to lose at home to Newcastle – and did lose – to one that can compete fiercely with Arsenal and Liverpool. After the draw at Anfield, the United manager stated, “We need to endure, we need to put in the effort.” I watched Liverpool after the referee ended the match, and some of my players collapsed on the field, completely exhausted. That’s not something you see in every game, so we need to pay attention to that detail. Admittedly, the match against Arsenal was a significant one, and as Bruno Fernandes mentioned after the tie with Liverpool, the true test will occur at home against last-placed Southampton. However, United’s determination to hold on and their unwillingness to fall apart after allowing an equalizer while playing with ten men should not be overlooked. When Amorim initially brought his team to the Emirates on December 4, they suffered a 2-0 defeat.
Â
