I watched every minutes of their action against Arsenal and I was so impressed”: Man City coach Pep Guardiola heaps praise on THREE Man United’s players who were just too good against Arsenal

Alan Shearer hailed three “superb” Manchester United stars against Arsenal despite one being set to drop out of the side.
The Red Devils found a way past their Premier League rivals on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time. Bruno Fernandes and Gabriel Magalhaes scored for each side.

Martin Odegaard had a penalty saved by United’s stand-in keeper Altay Bayindir, while he also denied Kai Havertz in the resultant shootout. And Shearer picked out the former Fenerbahce star for special praise.

He was also left impressed by defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt. Speaking on the BBC, he said: “He [Bayindir] holds his nerve, he doesn’t blink first.
It was a three-way tie between him and De Ligt and Maguire who I thought were also superb but just because of his penalty save, I thought I would give it to him [the man of the match award]. When you get given an opportunity, you have to take it and he took it today.”

Shearer wasn’t the only one who was impressed by Bayindir’s performance. United boss Ruben Amorim also sang his praises after stepping up despite limited opportunities at Old Trafford so far.
It’s really important, not just for him but all the players,” Amorim said. “Your life as a footballer has cycles and moments. Sometimes in one week, your life can change. You can see Altay. Against Tottenham, everybody was pointing the finger at him and I understand that. Today he was our hero also.”
Unfortunately for Bayindir, his shining performance against Arsenal might not be enough to see him hold his place in the side. Andre Onana will return for the midweek Premier League clash with struggling Southampton.
Away from his praise for Bayindir, United boss Amorim also picked out Joshua Zirkzee for converting the winning penalty, particularly given the criticism he has faced recently. He said: “Joshua a few weeks ago had a small problem with our fans.

“Today, every time he’s going on the pitch, you felt the support from the fans. And then he has the last penalty. Life is like that. You have to stay humbled, work every day and your time will come.”
United’s win against Arsenal saw them seal a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup. And they will take on Leicester City following Sunday’s draw – a game that will see former striker and boss Ruud van Nistelrooy return.
I watched every minutes of his action against Liverpool and I was so impressed”: Man City coach Pep Guardiola heaps praise on Man United’s player who was just too good against Liverpool

Alan Shearer and Pep Guardiola joined a chorus of praise for Manchester United players after their dramatic FA Cup victory over Arsenal, with special attention given to Altay Bayindir, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Joshua Zirkzee for their standout performances.

### **Bayindir’s Heroics in Goal**
Altay Bayindir, deputizing for Andre Onana, delivered a clutch performance, saving Martin Ødegaard’s penalty in regular time and denying Kai Havertz in the shootout. Shearer hailed Bayindir’s composure, stating:
– *”He holds his nerve, he doesn’t blink first.”*
Despite limited opportunities, Bayindir’s performance was described as a turning point, with manager Ruben Amorim highlighting the unpredictability of a footballer’s career:
– *”Your life as a footballer has cycles and moments. Against Tottenham, everyone pointed the finger at him. Today, he was our hero.”*

Bayindir, however, is expected to make way for Onana in United’s upcoming Premier League clash against Southampton.

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### **Defensive Masterclass by Maguire and De Ligt**
Shearer also commended the defensive duo of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt for their resilience and leadership in a high-pressure game.
– Maguire showcased his leadership with key blocks and fiery passion, particularly in his confrontation with Havertz over the controversial penalty.
– De Ligt’s composure and defensive solidity were crucial, as he worked tirelessly alongside Maguire to neutralize Arsenal’s attack, especially after United went down to 10 men.

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### **Joshua Zirkzee’s Redemption Arc**
Joshua Zirkzee silenced critics by converting the winning penalty, a moment manager Ruben Amorim described as transformative:
– *”A few weeks ago, Joshua had a small problem with our fans. Today, you felt their support every time he stepped on the pitch. Life is like that – stay humble, work hard, and your time will come.”*

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### **Pep Guardiola’s Admiration**
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola added to the accolades by referencing another United player’s exceptional performance in a separate match against Liverpool. While the specific player remains unnamed in this context, Guardiola’s comment underscores the high level of talent within United’s ranks:
– *”I watched every minute of his action against Liverpool, and I was so impressed.”*

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### **Looking Ahead**
United’s FA Cup victory sets up a fourth-round tie against Leicester City, a match marked by the return of Ruud van Nistelrooy to Old Trafford. With renewed confidence and standout performances across the squad, United is showing signs of growth under Amorim’s leadership, blending resilience, tactical discipline, and individual brilliance.