Man Utd lose thrilling league opener to Arsenal after Altay Bayindir blunder

Altay Bayindir’s blunder handed Arsenal victory and undid a positive Manchester United performance in Sunday’s pulsating Premier League encounter.

Old Trafford rocked as Mikel Arteta’s runners-up headed to the rebuilding Red Devils in the most eye-catching fixture of the opening weekend.

United looked far better than the side that finished 15th last season – their worst top-flight campaign since 1974 – yet Ruben Amorim’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat as Riccardo Calafiori capitalised on Bayindir’s early flap.

The back-up goalkeeper was outmuscled by William Saliba as he attempted to deal with a Declan Rice corner, tipping it on for the defender to nod into an empty net and silence Old Trafford after a bright start.

Bayindir’s error underlined concerns over the goalkeeping position at Old Trafford, where often unconvincing number one Andre Onana was absent as he works his way back from a hamstring injury.

United are a work in progress but summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo looked sharp on their debuts, with Patrick Dorgu hitting a post with a lasered first-half effort.

Arsenal keeper David Raya produced a string of important stops to keep the hosts at bay, with his man of the match of the display helping Arteta’s side to victory.

The atmosphere was as intense as United’s start as they flew out the blocks in the summer sun, with Mbeumo getting an early attempt on goal as the hosts bossed play and the early possession.

But Arsenal would take the sting out of proceedings with just 13 minutes on the clock. Bayindir flapped at Rice’s inswinging corner under pressure from Saliba, with the Turkey international meekly palming on for Calafiori to head over the line.

United’s appeals for a foul fell on deaf ears as Arsenal