Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, has faced some of the most dangerous attackers in the world. However, following a tense encounter against Manchester United, he admitted that one particular opponent caught him off guard with their sheer intensity. Surprisingly, it was not Bruno Fernandes or the newly signed Joshua Zirkzee but an unexpected player who left a lasting impression on him.
After the match, Raya reflected on his performance and acknowledged that he had made an error by conceding what he described as a “silly” free kick to Fernandes. However, that was not the most difficult challenge he faced during the game.
Instead, the real test came from the relentless pressure imposed by another Manchester United player. Raya admitted that this particular opponent’s aggressive style and attacking threat were unlike anything he had previously encountered. According to him, this player managed to register six shots on target, which was especially surprising given Arsenal’s traditionally strong defensive setup.
Although Raya did not explicitly mention the name of the player who gave him the most trouble, reports emerging from the Arsenal dressing room suggested that it was neither Fernandes nor Zirkzee. Instead, another United star stood out, catching the attention of Arsenal’s defensive leader, William Saliba.
The composed French center-back was seen engaged in a serious discussion with Raya after the game, as they both appeared to agree on the unexpected challenge they had just faced.
Once Raya’s post-match comments surfaced, fans wasted no time speculating about the identity of the mystery player. Some believed it could be Kobbie Mainoo, known for his tireless energy and ability to cover large areas of the pitch. Others pointed to Alejandro Garnacho, whose direct dribbling, high pressing, and ability to create chaos on the wings made him a likely candidate.
Regardless of who the player was, one thing became clear—Manchester United may have unearthed a new attacking weapon capable of troubling even the most solid defensive lines in the Premier League.
The FA Cup showdown between Arsenal and Manchester United proved to be a stern test for Raya, particularly during the penalty shootout. His decision-making in these high-pressure moments came under scrutiny as he repeatedly committed early, making it easier for United’s penalty takers to read his movements.
This strategy backfired, much like a previous incident in which Harry Kane outwitted him by delaying his shot until Raya had already dived. Both Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo took advantage of this flaw, using slow run-ups to force Raya into premature dives before calmly placing their shots in the opposite direction. His inability to stop any penalties played a significant role in Arsenal’s FA Cup exit.
Despite all the speculation regarding Raya’s comments, there is no concrete evidence that he specifically mentioned an opponent’s aggression or attacking intensity. The claims appear to be based more on conjecture than on any confirmed statements from the goalkeeper himself. In the end, Manchester United managed to secure a 1-1 draw in regular time before prevailing in the penalty shootout, earning their place in the next round of the competition.
