Man United 0-1 Arsenal in the Premier League: Benjamin Sesko's Debut Ends in Defeat

Liputan6.com, Jakarta The 2025/26 Premier League season kicked off with a fierce clash between Manchester United and Arsenal.

The match, held at the Red Devils' home ground, Old Trafford, on Sunday, August 17, 2025, ended in a narrow 0-1 defeat for the hosts.

Riccardo Calafiori's lone goal in the 13th minute proved decisive for Arsenal.

This result certainly wasn't an ideal start in the Premier League for Manchester United.

On the other hand, this match also marked a significant moment for Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United's new striker, who made his official debut.

💬 "I'm really proud of the players... but it's hard to lose a game like this."Ruben Amorim's post-match reaction 👇

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 17, 2025

Manchester United actually dominated possession throughout the match against Arsenal.

Statistics show the Red Devils controlled 62% of the ball and had 22 shots, significantly more than Arsenal's nine.

However, this dominance was not matched by effectiveness in front of goal.

Arsenal's only goal came in the 13th minute through a header from Riccardo Calafiori.

This goal came from a corner kick taken by Declan Rice, where Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir failed to properly handle the ball.

One of the highlights of the Manchester United vs. Arsenal match was Benjamin Sesko's debut.

The 22-year-old Slovenian striker came on as a substitute, replacing Mason Mount, after the hour mark.

Sesko received a rapturous welcome from the Old Trafford fans upon his entry.

Wearing the number 30 shirt, his arrival was highly anticipated following his £74 million transfer from RB Leipzig in early August 2025

.Despite showing some promising movement and great potential, Sesko failed to find the net on his debut.

He was one of Manchester United's attempts to find an equalizer in the remaining minutes of the match.

Sesko had previously undergone his first training session with Manchester United on Sunday, August 10, 2025, the day after his move was officially announced.

In addition to Benjamin Sesko, who made his Old Trafford debut in this match, two new Red Devils players, Bryan Mbeumo and Mattheus Cunha, were in the spotlight.

These two players, both experienced in the Premier League, made a significant impact on Manchester United's attack.

This was evident in the Red Devils' shooting productivity, which reached 22 shots, with 11 on target.

Although they failed to secure a win, their impressive performances were a positive sign for fans that Manchester United's attack is getting sharper.