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. THOSE GUYS WERE TOO GOOD
Alan Shearer praised three standout Manchester United players during their dramatic FA Cup victory over Arsenal, highlighting Altay Bayindir, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt for their exceptional performances. Despite Bayindir being likely to return to the bench in favor of Andre Onana, his contributions were instrumental in the victory.
Bayindir’s Game-Changing Saves
Standing in for Onana, Bayindir showcased nerves of steel, saving Martin Ødegaard’s penalty in regular time and denying Kai Havertz during the shootout. Shearer applauded his composure, describing his ability to stay focused under pressure as remarkable. United manager Ruben Amorim also commended Bayindir for stepping up despite limited appearances, saying, “A footballer’s career has cycles, and today he was our hero.”
While Bayindir’s performance earned widespread praise, he is expected to make way for Onana in United’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Southampton.
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Maguire and De Ligt’s Defensive Brilliance
Shearer also praised the defensive solidity provided by Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt. Maguire led by example with crucial blocks and fiery determination, including standing firm against Havertz over a controversial penalty. Meanwhile, De Ligt’s composure and defensive acumen were vital in keeping Arsenal at bay during intense moments of the match.
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Joshua Zirkzee’s Moment of Redemption
Joshua Zirkzee silenced his critics with a decisive performance, converting the winning penalty under immense pressure. Amorim highlighted the striker’s redemption arc, emphasizing how the support of fans played a role in his turnaround. “Life is unpredictable; stay humble, work hard, and your moment will come,” Amorim remarked.
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Pep Guardiola’s Admiration for United
Pep Guardiola added to the chorus of praise for Manchester United’s players, reflecting on a different standout performance against Liverpool. Although he did not name the player, his comments underscored the depth of talent within United’s squad: “I watched every minute, and I was so impressed.”
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Looking Ahead
With the victory, Manchester United advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup, where they will face Leicester City. This match will see the return of former striker and manager Ruud van Nistelrooy to Old Trafford. Under Ruben Amorim’s leadership, the team continues to blend tactical discipline with standout individual performances, signaling a prom
ising phase in their development.