United triumphs over Arsenal in FA Cup shootout drama, defying red card chaos

Manchester United stunned Arsenal in a nail-biting FA Cup third-round clash that had it all – drama, heartbreak, and redemption. Playing most of the second half with 10 men after Diogo Dalot’s controversial red card, United weathered Arsenal’s relentless attacks before clinching victory in a tense penalty shootout at the Emirates.

Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s manager, hailed the team’s resilience in what he described as a defining moment of their season. “From the first whistle, I had a feeling this was our day,” Amorim said. “Even with 10 men, we found a way to suffer, control, and eventually conquer. That’s growth.”

United’s Bruno Fernandes set the tone with a stunning opener, expertly curling the ball past Arsenal’s keeper, David Raya. Arsenal fought back, levelling through Gabriel Magalhães after a well-timed corner. The balance tipped decisively in Arsenal’s favour when Dalot saw red for a clumsy tackle on Bukayo Saka.

Despite being a man down, United held firm. Arsenal piled on the pressure, but United’s seldom-seen goalkeeper Altay Bayindir proved an immovable object. He pulled off a miraculous penalty save from Martin Ødegaard in regulation time, a moment that swung momentum back to the visitors.

As the match dragged into extra time, United’s makeshift defence looked set to collapse under the weight of Arsenal’s relentless waves of attack. Havertz, Rice, and Saka all came close to finding the winner, but their finishing left much to be desired.

The shootout brought redemption for Joshua Zirkzee, a player who has faced intense criticism from fans. The Dutch striker stepped up for the decisive penalty and delivered with calm precision, sealing a 5-4 shootout victory. Bayindir, who saved a critical spot-kick from Kai Havertz during the shootout, cemented his status as the hero of the day.

Amorim praised both Zirkzee and Bayindir, emphasising the cyclical nature of football. “A few weeks ago, Zirkzee faced boos; today, he’s a hero. Altay, too, faced criticism against Spurs, and now he’s saved us. Moments like these define careers.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta cut a frustrated figure, lamenting missed opportunities and questioning the officiating. A contentious penalty decision awarded to Arsenal late in the match — one that Ødegaard missed — drew scorn from United supporters, who took to social media to celebrate what they saw as poetic justice.

“Dominance doesn’t always translate to victory,” Arteta admitted. “We played some of our best football but finishing let us down. Losing Jesus to a knee injury makes this even harder to take.” Gabriel Jesus was stretchered off in visible pain during the second half, and Arteta hinted that the prognosis might not be favourable.

United now advances to the fourth round, where they will face Leicester City, managed by Ruud van Nistelrooy. The reunion adds intrigue to what is already shaping up to be a captivating FA Cup campaign for United. Arsenal, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they face a critical Premier League derby against Spurs on Wednesday.

For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Amorim’s side. From the resilience shown by his players to the heroics of Bayindir and the redemption of Zirkzee, this victory feels like more than just progression in the FA Cup. It feels like a statement.