Rúben Amorim’s Silver Linings: Three Manchester United Stars Shine in Arsenal Draw

On March 9, 2025, Manchester United played out a gritty 1-1 draw against Arsenal at Old Trafford, a result that left fans with mixed emotions but offered Rúben Amorim a chance to highlight glimmers of progress. The Portuguese manager, now several months into his tenure, has faced a turbulent ride since taking over in November 2024, with United languishing in mid-table and struggling to fully implement his 3-4-3 system. Yet, in the aftermath of this Premier League clash, Amorim chose to spotlight three players who impressed him—Bruno Fernandes, Joshua Zirkzee, and the surprising inclusion of Victor Lindelöf, dubbed a “very smart outcast.” In this 1,500-word analysis, we’ll unpack the match, delve into Amorim’s praise, and explore what these performances mean for United’s future.

The Match: A Battle of Resilience

The encounter with Arsenal was a tale of two halves, encapsulating United’s season under Amorim—moments of promise tempered by persistent flaws. Arsenal, chasing the Premier League title under Mikel Arteta, arrived with a formidable record, boasting one of the league’s stingiest defenses. United, meanwhile, were desperate to build momentum after a string of inconsistent results.

The first half saw United take a shock lead through Bruno Fernandes, whose curling free-kick in the 42nd minute beat David Raya at his near post. It was a moment of quality that lifted the Old Trafford faithful, who have endured a rollercoaster 2024-25 campaign. Arsenal responded after the break, with Declan Rice leveling the score in the 67th minute via a long-range strike that exposed United’s vulnerability to transitions. Despite late chances—most notably a stunning double save by Raya from Fernandes—both sides settled for a point.

For Amorim, the draw was a bittersweet pill. United’s expected goals (xG) of 1.2 paled against Arsenal’s 1.6, and their possession hovered at just 43%. Yet, the manager saw beyond the numbers, praising the efforts of Fernandes, Zirkzee, and Lindelöf in his post-match comments to UtdDistrict. “These three showed me something special today,” he said. “Bruno with his leadership, Joshua with his work rate, and Victor—very smart, an outcast who stepped up.” Let’s break down why these players earned his admiration.

Bruno Fernandes: The Captain’s Consistency

First on Amorim’s list was Bruno Fernandes, United’s talismanic captain and the architect of their opener. The 30-year-old Portuguese midfielder has been a constant amid United’s chaos, and against Arsenal, he delivered yet again. His free-kick was a masterclass in precision, curling over Arsenal’s wall and dipping past Raya—a goal that underscored his knack for decisive moments.

Beyond the strike, Fernandes ran himself into the ground, covering 11.8 kilometers and completing 85% of his passes, including three key passes that carved open Arsenal’s defense. His leadership was evident as he rallied a backline rocked by Leny Yoro’s halftime injury withdrawal, barking orders to maintain shape in Amorim’s 3-4-3. “Bruno is the heart of this team,” Amorim noted. “He leads by example, always pushing, always creating.”

Fernandes’ form has been a lifeline for United this season, with eight goals and seven assists in the Premier League by March 2025. Yet, his workload raises questions about sustainability—can he carry United single-handedly? Amorim’s praise suggests confidence in his skipper, but it also hints at a reliance that the manager must address through squad depth.

Joshua Zirkzee: The Dutch Dynamo Finding His Feet

Next up was Joshua Zirkzee, the £36.5 million summer signing from Bologna who has endured a rocky start at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old Dutch striker arrived with a reputation for flair and link-up play, but his early months were marred by a lack of goals and a poor fit in Amorim’s system, which demands a more direct No. 9. Against Arsenal, however, Zirkzee showed signs of adaptation.

Starting ahead of Rasmus Højlund, Zirkzee didn’t find the net but worked tirelessly, pressing Arsenal’s center-backs and holding up play to bring Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho into the game. His 62 touches—second only to Fernandes—and four successful dribbles highlighted his growing comfort in United’s attack. A late chance, thwarted by Raya’s heroics, could have sealed the win, but Amorim focused on the positives. “Joshua’s work rate was incredible,” he said. “He’s learning what I need from him, and he’s getting better every game.”

Zirkzee’s resurgence is timely. With Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa and Højlund’s inconsistent finishing, United’s attack has lacked punch—scoring just 28 goals in 20 league matches. Amorim’s praise signals a shift: Zirkzee may not be the classic striker United fans crave, but his versatility could be key in a squad short on options. His display against Arsenal suggests he’s finally finding his role, even if the goals remain elusive.

Victor Lindelöf: The Very Smart Outcast

Perhaps the most intriguing of Amorim’s trio was Victor Lindelöf, labeled a “very smart outcast” in a nod to his peripheral status this season. The Swedish defender, signed for £31 million from Benfica in 2017, has fallen down the pecking order under Amorim, overtaken by Lisandro Martínez, Leny Yoro, and Harry Maguire. With his contract expiring in 2026 and transfer rumors swirling, Lindelöf’s start against Arsenal—prompted by Yoro’s injury and Martínez’s suspension—was a rare chance to shine.

Shine he did. Playing as the central pivot in Amorim’s back three, Lindelöf was a calming presence, completing 92% of his passes (48/52) and making three clearances, including a vital headed interception to deny Gabriel Jesus. His positioning thwarted Arsenal’s attempts to exploit United’s high line, and his distribution—albeit conservative—kept the ball moving under pressure. “Victor was very smart today,” Amorim said. “He’s been out of the picture, but he showed he understands the game and can help us.”

Lindelöf’s inclusion raises eyebrows. Once a regular under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Erik ten Hag, he’s made just six league starts this season, with United’s defense conceding 34 goals—a stark contrast to Arsenal’s 18. His “outcast” status stems from Amorim’s preference for ball-playing defenders like Yoro, yet against Arsenal, Lindelöf proved he can still contribute. Is this a lifeline for the 30-year-old, or a temporary reprieve? Amorim’s words suggest the former, but Lindelöf’s long-term fit remains uncertain.

Tactical Context: Amorim’s Evolving Vision

The Arsenal draw offered a glimpse into Amorim’s ongoing project. His 3-4-3 aims for defensive solidity and quick transitions, but United have struggled with both—conceding from set pieces and failing to convert chances. Against Arsenal, the back three of Mazraoui, Lindelöf, and Heaven (who replaced Yoro) held firm for stretches, while Fernandes and Zirkzee linked play effectively. Yet, Rice’s equalizer exposed gaps in midfield, where Casemiro’s waning legs couldn’t keep pace.

Amorim’s praise for Fernandes, Zirkzee, and Lindelöf reflects his focus on effort and adaptability—qualities he’s demanded since day one. “We’re improving in small ways,” he told UtdDistrict. “The results aren’t there yet, but these three showed me what I want to see.” It’s a pragmatic stance from a manager under pressure, balancing short-term fixes with long-term goals.

The Bigger Picture: United’s Road Ahead

The 1-1 result leaves United 10th in the Premier League, four points off the top four but with a game in hand. For Amorim, who has won eight of his 19 matches across all competitions, the draw is a stepping stone. His tenure has been defined by upheaval—INEOS’s cost-cutting, Rashford’s exit, and injuries to key players like Martínez and Luke Shaw. Yet, performances like those of Fernandes, Zirkzee, and Lindelöf offer hope.

Fans on X mirrored Amorim’s optimism. “Bruno’s still world-class,” one wrote. “Zirkzee’s turning it around—give him time,” said another. Lindelöf’s praise sparked debate: “Smart, sure, but is he the future?” The sentiment underscores United’s crossroads—relying on stalwarts while integrating new blood.

Conclusion: A Foundation to Build On

Rúben Amorim’s praise for Bruno Fernandes, Joshua Zirkzee, and Victor Lindelöf after the Arsenal draw is more than post-match platitudes—it’s a signal of intent. Fernandes remains the linchpin, Zirkzee a work in progress, and Lindelöf a reminder of untapped potential. As of March 9, 2025, United are far from contenders, but these performances hint at a foundation. Whether Amorim can mold this trio—and the squad around them—into a cohesive unit will define his reign. For now, amidst the storm, he’s found three beacons to guide the way.