New signings started on the bench Disappointed, but not surprised was probably the fitting reaction to the Manchester United line-up when team news dropped yesterday.
Much of the build-up to the match had been about the summer arrivals, but only one of them started, with Andre Onana selected in goal and both Rasmus Hojlund and Sergio Reguilon on the bench.
It was perhaps the biggest indication that Erik ten Hag still thinks new arrivals need time to adapt to his style of play as much as they need to get up to match fitness before they can be unleashed.
Hojlund couldn't do any worse than Anthony Martial when he was introduced from the bench, and the midfield still found a way to function despite the absence of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat. Read more: United player ratings vs Arsenal We should be a lot closer to realising Ten Hag's preferred XI after the international break, but there are still no guarantees that any of the outfield summer signings will be in it immediately. Defensive pecking order confirmed It was never in doubt Victor Lindelof would start in central defence with Raphael Varane absent through injury.