Ruben Amorim’s bold decision in goal proved costly as Arsenal sealed a narrow 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s first-half header.

United’s £200m summer rebuild notably excluded a new goalkeeper signing. With Andre Onana sidelined by a hamstring injury suffered in pre-season, Amorim handed Turkey international Altay Bayindir his Premier League debut ahead of veteran Tom Heaton.

The gamble unraveled in the 13th minute. Bayindir was caught flat-footed as Declan Rice delivered a curling corner beneath the bar. The keeper’s weak punch fell directly to Riccardo Calafiori, who bundled the ball over the line from close range for the game’s only goal.

Despite the setback, Manchester United dominated possession, created more chances, and registered more shots on target than their opponents. Summer signing Matheus Cunha tested Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya three times, while fellow debutant Bryan Mbuemo came closest to leveling the score with a powerful second-half strike that Raya brilliantly turned away.

Arsenal’s resilience at the back proved decisive. Raya’s heroics, coupled with Calafiori’s opportunistic finish, secured the Gunners their fifth win in six Premier League meetings with United. Declan Rice nearly doubled the lead late on with a free-kick, but the single-goal advantage was enough for Mikel Arteta’s men to claim all three points in Manchester.