In the recently concluded third round of the FA Cup, the match between Manchester United and Arsenal was akin to a prelude to the final. Despite Dalot being sent off with two yellow cards after 60 minutes, ten-man Manchester United eliminated the Gunners through a penalty shootout. The Red Devils displayed a spirited performance at the Emirates Stadium, with another highlight being the referee, who was also disheartened by United's advancement.
This is not the first time that Amorim has eliminated Arteta's Arsenal. In the 2022/23 season, while leading his former club Sporting Portugal, they met in the Europa League Round of 16. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw at Sporting's home ground, followed by a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Subsequently, Portugal won the penalty shootout 5-3, with the Portuguese emerging victorious. Nearly two years later, Arsenal's elimination from the FA Cup closely resembled their defeat in the Europa League, with the indecisive Arteta once again experiencing the bitter fruit of Amorim's tactics.
After the match, Manchester United highlighted "justice" on their official media. No other team has united fans from various leagues against them like Arsenal, who seem to rely solely on set pieces and the favor of referees, as if they are incapable of anything else. Some polite fans suggest that Arteta has exhausted his talents, questioning the use of the term "talent" in the first place!
The average age of the players who took the field for Manchester United in this match was only 24.4 years old. Among them were Menu (19), Jolo (19), Garnacho (20), Hoilen (21), Collier (21), Amad (22), Zirkzee (23), and Ugart (23), representing the future of the team. Of course, veteran Maguire was no exception, fully displaying his passion on the pitch. This week, Manchester United activated the one-year extension option for Maguire and renewed Diawara's contract. Diawara received a significant pay raise, while Maguire's salary remained unchanged, both decisions naturally welcomed by the fans.
Garnacho's performance in this match was commendable, not only assisting B Fee to break the deadlock for the visiting Red Devils but also showing tenacity in confrontations. Last season, Garnacho contributed 10 goals and 5 assists in 50 games. Just past the halfway point of this season, he already has 8 goals and 5 assists to his name. The departure of the 20-year-old Garnacho from Manchester United has left fans uneasy. In an ideal world, over a long period (especially during the Ten Hag era), the Argentine international was seen as the club's future, expected to fully realize his potential. However, with the arrival of Amorim, everything has changed.
Conte, the Italian coach who has tasted success in the Premier League and now coaching Napoli with a chance to compete for the Serie A title, has made it clear that he wants to leave Napoli in January. Manchester United is particularly interested in K77 and would like to exchange Rashford for him, but the club's owner, Ratcliffe, wants to sell players before considering new signings, causing a delay in proceedings.
Conte holds Garnacho in high regard and, following Kvaratskhelia's departure, has recommended the Argentine international to the club, hoping to sign him as a replacement for K77. Amorim, who is committed to the 3-4-3 formation and is ready to make sweeping changes to Manchester United, is open to all existing players, including Garnacho. Manchester United has set the asking price for the Argentine at 50 million euros (42 million pounds).