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Ruben Amorim claimed his Manchester United team deserved to seal a spot in the FA Cup fourth round at the expense of Arsenal because they ‘suffered together’.
Man United played with 10 men from 61 minutes after Diogo Dalot received a second yellow card for a challenge on Mikel Merino.
The visitors dug in to take the game to extra-time, and then penalties. The victory follows their 2-0 defeat to the Gunners at the Emirates on December 4 — Amorim’s first defeat as United boss.
He said: ‘We showed a different spirit (compared to our last game vs Arsenal), even with 10 men. We are improving on that aspect. I think we had a lot of difficulties in the beginning of the game to control the game with the ball. We suffered, not big opportunities, but we suffered running after the ball.
‘They (Arsenal) put in new players, they controlled the ball all the time, it was a sacrifice for my players. But we deserved to pass through this round because we suffered all together and we showed character and that’s a very important thing.
‘The players were really tired, but I felt since the first minute that today was our day. I felt also a connection with our fans, our staff. It was a very good day for us in that aspect.
Ruben Amorim hailed his Man United stars for showing a ‘different spirit’ against Arsenal
The Red Devils beat Arsenal on penalties to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup just a few weeks after losing at the Emirates in the league
Amorim toasted deputy goalkeeper Altay Bayindir as a ‘hero’ after his performance
‘I think that is clear (we’re becoming more resilient). I think also it is clear that when we score first that helps us to suffer. It is like more strength.’
On the inspired display of goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who made a series of crucial saves, he added: ‘He’s a good guy, he works a lot and life has beautiful things. A few weeks ago we were suffering through a difficult moment, but now he’s like a hero for us.’
Mikel Arteta was left to rue crashing out of a competition he won in 2020 — his only piece of major silverware at Arsenal.
He said: ‘It’s unbelievable (we lost). Obviously, you measure the performance and what we did in relation to the position, you know you deserve to win the game by a mile.
‘I love my players. I love our team and I love how good they are and what they do because in 1000 games, you should lose one and probably it was this one.
‘The ball has to go in the net and then you have to batter the opponent, that’s the reality.’
A further blemish was the injury to Gabriel Jesus, who was stretchered off in the first half.
‘No update but it’s not looking good,’ he added. ‘He was in quite a lot of pain, he had to come off on a stretcher and he’s not looking good.’
