Man Utd player ratings: Cunha and Dorgu hit stunning strikes and Maguire commanding at back

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by Chris Hetherington
Sunday, 25 January 2026 at 19:44
Screenshot 2026-01-25 at 18.48.13
Matheus Cunha hit a stunning winner to give Manchester United a 3-2 win over Arsenal and continue the perfect start under Michael Carrick.
It felt like United had weathered the early storm from Arsenal when the hosts took the lead. It was a sloppy goal to concede and Lisandro Martinez got the final touch as he battled Jurrien Timber in his six-yard box.
But United's response was excellent and they capitalised on an Arsenal defensive blunder to level. Martin Zubimendi's pass handed the chance to Bryan Mbeumo and he rounded David Raya to score.
Carrick's side then took the lead with a stunning goal early in the second half. Dorgu teed the chance up for himself with some clever control and unleashed a stunning volley that hit the bar and went in.
Mikel Merino looked like he had secured a draw for Arsenal only for Matheus Cunha to score almost immediately.

Player ratings

Senne Lammens: Good saves from Zubimendi and Saka and mostly dealt well with the aerial bombardment. Crowded out for the equaliser. 6
Diogo Dalot: Dealt well with Trossard and looks a little more comfortable at right-back. The kind of solid and unfussy game he has needed. 7
Harry Maguire: Surely worth a new contract if this form continues. Looked the best centre-back on the pitch, which really is saying something. 9
Lisandro Martinez: Should have been stronger against Timber for Arsenal's opening goal. One good block on Rice but Gyokeres troubled him. 7
Luke Shaw: Defended really well against Saka and stayed aware throughout. Arsenal used clever moment down that flank but Shaw was never exposed. 8
Casemiro: Big contribution in his own box from set-pieces and used the ball extremely well. His positioning was excellent throughout the game. 9
Kobbie Mainoo: Felt that United got a foothold in the game when they got the ball to Mainoo more often. Growing in confidence under Carrick and got the late assist. 7
Amad: Took in-swinging corners and got his deliveries spot on. One poor choice on the break in the first half but kept at it. 6
Bruno Fernandes: Average game for a player of his quality. Sloppy with a couple of passes but also had moments where he moved the ball around well. 6
Patrick Dorgu: Weak defensive header in the build-up to the first goal but boy did he make amends. An incredible goal to put United ahead and maintain his own momentum. 8
Bryan Mbeumo: Now scored against Liverpool, City and Arsenal. Took his goal really well and was a threat with his movement and clever runs. 8
Substitutes
Matheus Cunha: Took up some good positions and again looked bright off the bench. Brilliant, brilliant goal. 8
Benjamin Sesko: Little time to make an impact. 7
Noussair Mazraoui: Late sub. 6

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