Man Utd dressing room reaction speaks volumes after Alan Shearer comment on Arsenal loss

The Manchester United squad is in broad agreement with Alan Shearer following the positive opening weekend display against Arsenal. One of the best displays in recent memory from United went unrewarded as an Altay Bayindir error allowed Riccardo Calafiori to head the Gunners in front early on, with United unable to convert any of their 22 attempts at goal in 1-0 loss.

Although they suffered defeat, many United fans left Old Trafford feeling upbeat about the impact of new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in a revitalised attack that kept Mikel Arteta’s side pegged back for long stretches. Following the game, the feeling within the squad was one of encouragement.

Per the Manchester Evening News, dressing room sources say the players believe they made clear strides with their performance against last season’s runners-up and Champions League semi-finalists. Another source said the squad felt the display was "much better" than how United fared in the majority of Old Trafford matches last season.

That feeling was shared by Premier League legend Shearer, who hasn’t been afraid to stick the boot in on both United and Ruben Amorim in recent times. But speaking on the Rest is Football with Gary Lineker and Miach Richards, the Newcastle icon said: “I think for me the two standouts [were Cunha and Mbeumo].

“Cunha was very good and Mbeumo was excellent. They brought a bit of unpredictability, they brought a bit of a spark and a bit of life to Manchester United.

“I do think that there was definitely more energy to the game, they certainly looked more organised, but you would feel more comfortable if they had a goalkeeper in there who you could rely on.”

Amorim also brought up United’s improved intensity levels as he hailed the performance, saying: “It’s more about the intensity our players play at, if they are brave, if they are talented, if they are powerful. We show a little bit more than that.

“We have a lot to do and have to focus on the next one. I think also, they understand better the way we have to do it.

“They are prepared to do it physically and they want to help each other. That is a very good feeling. Sometimes, you can see one guy missing one run or one pass and you feel the team is all together.”

However, Shearer cautioned that United must sign a new keeper if they are to make genuine strides this season, with question marks over error-prone pair Bayindir and Andre Onana. United have been linked with PSG stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Shearer said: “I think if they don't get that, then that could be their downfall. It remains to be seen if anything happens in the next couple of weeks. But in terms of general play, I thought it was a lot better from Manchester United."

The Red Devils visit Fulham on Sunday looking for their first points of the season.

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