Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has squared off against some of the world’s most dangerous attackers, but after a tense showdown with Manchester United, he admitted that one opponent, in particular, caught him off guard with their sheer intensity. Surprisingly, it wasn’t Bruno Fernandes or recent signing Joshua Zirkzee—it was someone unexpected.
Following the match, Raya reflected on the game and acknowledged making a mistake by conceding a “silly” free kick to Fernandes. However, what truly tested him wasn’t that moment but the relentless pressure from another Manchester United star. Speaking after the match, Raya expressed his shock at the player’s aggression and attacking threat, admitting that he had never encountered such a fierce competitor before. According to him, this individual managed to get six shots on target, which was particularly surprising given Arsenal’s strong defensive setup.
Although Raya didn’t explicitly name the player, reports from the Arsenal dressing room suggest that it wasn’t Fernandes or Zirkzee who gave him the most trouble. Instead, another United star stood out, even catching the attention of Arsenal’s defensive leader, William Saliba. The French center-back, known for his composure, was seen in a serious discussion with Raya post-match, both seemingly agreeing on the unexpected challenge they had faced.
Once Raya’s comments surfaced, fans wasted no time speculating about the mystery player. Some pointed to Kobbie Mainoo, whose relentless energy and box-to-box presence have troubled numerous defenses. Others believed it could be Alejandro Garnacho, whose direct dribbling and high pressing created havoc on the wings. Regardless of the identity, it’s clear that Manchester United may have discovered a new attacking weapon capable of unsettling even the strongest defensive lines in the Premier League.
The FA Cup encounter between Arsenal and Manchester United proved to be a tough test for Raya, particularly in the penalty shootout. His decision-making during spot-kicks came under scrutiny as he repeatedly committed early, allowing United’s takers to exploit his movements. This tactic, reminiscent of a previous situation where Harry Kane outwitted him by waiting for the goalkeeper to move first, ultimately worked against Arsenal. Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo both executed slow run-ups, forcing Raya into premature dives and easily placing their shots in the opposite direction. His inability to save any penalties played a crucial role in Arsenal’s FA Cup elimination.
Despite the speculation surrounding Raya’s comments, there is no verified evidence that he specifically mentioned an opponent’s aggression or attacking intensity. These claims appear to be based on conjecture rather than concrete statements. In the end, Manchester United secured a 1-1 draw in regular time before emerging victorious in the penalty shootout, progressing to the next round of the competition.
