Manchester United supporters have become accustomed to internal capitulation from their players. With 30 minutes of regulation remaining and a goal conceded within seconds of Diogo Dalot’s dismissal, a sense of familiarity began to surface.
But, as momentum swung in favour of the Londoners, the Red Devil’s coherent display, vociferously backed by each of the 7,956 travelling fans, saw them battle towards extra time.
The introduction of Amad Diallo, Toby Collyer, Joshua Zirkzee, Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro contributed to the jubilant scenes at the end of the game, with three of the five taking a penalty kick.
For years, we have seen this team succumb to defeat as battle looms, but the mentality shift in this team is apparent.
Ruben Amorim’s men rose to the occasion with defiance. With backs against the wall, Harry Maguire hurled his body in front of a barrage of shots, Matthijs de Ligt defied physics, scampering back to make an incredible goal-line clearance, and Amad Diallo endlessly chased lost causes, as always.
The Manchester United Mentality Monsters
Maguire continues his resurgence at the heart of the United defence, from Anfield last weekend to the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.
The former captain has started the last five games, as Amorim appears to be finding clarity around his strongest XI.
With stellar performances week after week, the 31-year-old appears to be back to his best, making five blocks and 11 clearances against a powerful Arsenal side. His one-year contract extension is a testament to the character of the Englishman, following a bombardment of abuse throughout his United career.
“When you look at our team, we are starving for leaders on the pitch,” Amorim stated following confirmation of Maguire’s continuation at the club.
“He is a leader – he has to improve that part – he has to improve his game, so we are happy to continue.”
The Sheffield man has stood up to the battle cries of his Portuguese manager of his late, contributing to the reinvigorated ambience around Old Trafford.
Far from the finished article, Zirkzee’s cameo against Arsenal deserves major plaudits.
His herculean penalty kick, sending his team through to the next round of the FA Cup, may prove to be the gargantuan confidence boost the Dutchman needed.
From his first-half withdrawal to boos against Newcastle, it made for an incredible 13-day turnaround as chants of ‘Oh Joshua Zirkzee’ rang around The Emirates.
There is a player within the former Bologna star. His dazzling dribbling to beat William Saliba in the dying moments of regular time and his ability to spray the ball into the path of on-rushing wingers are glimmers of his capabilities.
Joshua Zirkzee deserved his moment.
An almost-forgotten member of this team, Bayindir’s performance will live long in the memory of United fans worldwide.
A preposterous penalty awarded by the controversial referee, Andy Madley, threatened to steal the headlines, but the Turk’s calmness kept his side in the game.
Coming under fire for his recent performance against Tottenham Hotspur, the manner in which he conducted himself against Arsenal deserves immense acclaim.
Two penalty saves, countless corner claims and the conduction of his six-yard box carved out his strongest display in the United jersey.
The camaraderie that Amorim has instilled in his players in such a short time at the helm is striking. His ability to rally his troops in time of need has shifted the mantra of his squad.
On a particular note, as the manager was imposing his final words of wisdom on his team before penalties commenced, the entire group were locked together, like brothers in arms, aware of the monumental psychological fracas that lay ahead of them.
Speaking to Shaun Connolly on the Theatre of Red podcast, former Red, Danny Simpson aptly captured the Portuguese tactician’s intention on the training ground.
“I think he’s definitely trying to instil a certain standard that everyone has to match”, the Premier League winner said.
He continued: “By keeping his beliefs and getting the culture right again and setting the standards from within, then the results will come eventually.”
This team have come back from a goal down with two goals in the final moments against Manchester City. They battled from a goal down to earn a point against Liverpool, and they waged war against Arsenal, resisted intense pressure with 10 men for an hour of play and emerged victorious.
The mentality is shifting in front of our eyes. With three consecutive home games approaching against Southampton, Brighton and Rangers respectively now is the time to build on this momentum.
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