The current holders of the FA Cup entered into the latest edition of the tournament as the third round took place this weekend, and Manchester United had a difficult start to try and retain their title as they had a trip down to London to take on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. After a much improved performance in the draw against Liverpool, Amorim had a whole week to prepare with his players for pretty much the first time since he arrived at the club, and despite already losing away at Arsenal since his arrival in late 2024, Amorim was looking to build on the Liverpool display and get his side a huge morale boosting result.

The game itself had plenty of drama, with a surprising United opener, a red card which shifted momentum, a penalty missed and then of course the attack vs defence heading into extra time and the eventual shootout. Plenty of action as Arsenal were pushing for goals, while United’s determination shone through in their defensive efforts.

The result means Arsenal have one less trophy to battle for, and given Liverpool’s dominance thus far in the league, they may actually turn their whole focus to Europe as their Champions League efforts have been the most impressive so far this season. For United, they have a chance to repeat their successes of last season as they got their campaign to retain the trophy off to a strong start, and against one of the toughest opponents around.

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Teams

United went into this game after their strong performance in the draw with Liverpool, needing every player in the squad to be ready to go. With a swap between the sticks, Bayindir has been given the nod for the cup competition, while the more experienced heads stayed on the bench as the futures of several United players remains up in the air at this stage of the window. Amorim will have looked at a lot of his squad in this game to see a grit and determination which was lacking in the first month of his tenure at United.

For Arsenal, they were hunting for goals in the second half as they looked to take advantage of the United red card. However, they exposed the limited attacking options, as they were reliant on Partey and Tierney late on to try and get them over the line. The big concern from this will also be the injury to Jesus, and this may force Arsenal into a move in the January window to bring in some extra attacking fire-power.

Arsenal: Raya, Lewis-Skelly (Trossard 91′), Gabriel, Saliba, Timber (Partey 100′), Merino (Rice 73′), Jorginho (Tierney 113′), Odegaard, Martinelli, Havertz, Jesus (Sterling 40′)

Subs: Neto, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Butler-Oyedeji

Manchester United: Bayindir, Martinez, Maguire (Yoro 104′), De Ligt, Dalot, Mainoo (Collyer 81′), Ugarte (Malacia 91′), Mazraoui, Fernandes, Garnacho (Amad 80′), Hojlund (Zirkzee 81′)

Subs: Onana, Casemiro, Eriksen, Antony

Arsenal (3)1-1(5) Manchester United

Manchester United edged past Arsenal in a dramatic FA Cup third-round tie at the Emirates Stadium, prevailing 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time. Despite being reduced to ten men for over an hour after Diogo Dalot’s dismissal, United held firm, with goalkeeper Altay Bayindir emerging as the hero by saving two penalties, including one from Kai Havertz in the shootout.

The match began cautiously, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities in a subdued first half. The deadlock was broken in the 52nd minute when Bruno Fernandes capitalized on a swift counter-attack, slotting home after a surging run by Alejandro Garnacho. However, United’s momentum was halted when Dalot received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino, leaving the visitors a man down. Arsenal quickly took advantage, equalizing through Gabriel Magalhães, who volleyed in after Bayindir’s attempted punch fell kindly in the box.

Arsenal had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Kai Havertz was brought down in the box, resulting in a penalty. However, Martin Ødegaard’s spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Bayindir, keeping the score level. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, including efforts from Declan Rice and Havertz, the Gunners were unable to find a winner, with Bayindir making several crucial saves to force extra time.

In extra time, both teams pushed for a decisive goal, but resolute defending and goalkeeping ensured the match would be decided by penalties. Bayindir continued his heroics in the shootout, saving Havertz’s attempt, while Joshua Zirkzee converted the final penalty to secure United’s progression to the fourth round, where they will face Leicester City. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed frustration over missed opportunities, while United’s Ruben Amorim praised his team’s resilience and Bayindir’s standout performance.

Talking Points

Manchester United’s determined quest to retain their FA Cup crown remained alive after a pulsating 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, capped by a composed 5-3 triumph on penalties. United’s resolve in the competition has not gone unnoticed, particularly given their pedigree from last season’s victorious campaign. While they were reduced to ten men after Diogo Dalot’s dismissal, they demonstrated a champion’s resilience, forcing a shootout and ultimately booking a place in the fourth round. Their defensive steel and counter-attacking threat were vital, as was their clinical nature from the spot when it mattered most.

What made United’s display even more impressive was the context of their performance just a week after a strong showing in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool. Ruben Amorim’s side carried that momentum into the Emirates, refusing to be overwhelmed by Arsenal’s attacking prowess. United’s shape was compact, their transitions swift, and their energy palpable despite the numerical disadvantage. Bruno Fernandes once again underlined his influence with a well-taken goal, while Altay Bayindir’s heroics between the posts echoed the team’s fighting spirit. This back-to-back show of character against two of their biggest rivals shows the potential that the squad contains despite the poor first half of the campaign.

The penalty shootout, often a test of nerve and belief, showcased United’s growing confidence under Amorim. With Bayindir saving from Kai Havertz and Joshua Zirkzee coolly dispatching the decisive penalty, the visitors exuded a sense of positivity and control. It was a moment that spoke of their unity and mental fortitude, qualities that have become synonymous with this evolving United side. As they now look ahead to the next round, the message is clear that this is a team unafraid of challenges, and fully intent on keeping their hands on the famous old trophy.