As referee Simon Hooper blew the final whistle at Old Trafford on Sunday, instinctual boos from some home supporters were natural. Manchester United fans had just watched their team lose for an eighth time in 13 home matches since Ruben Amorim became head coach. Just four wins and two draws have also come in that period.

But the sound of boos was soon overpowered by rapturous applause. All four corners of the Theatre of Dreams displayed their appreciation following a hugely encouraging 97 minutes of football. United failed to score for the 12th time in 43 outings under Amorim, but this was not a defeat like last season.

Some players looked devastated and exhausted. Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Matheus Cunha collapsed to the floor.

Bruno Fernandes and Amad also had to drop, while Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko needed to place their hands on their knees as they gasped for air.

The reaction of the Arsenal players was even more telling. From this writer's viewing point in the lower Stretford End, Gabriel Magalhaes shriek in relief as he fell to his knees was audible.

The Gunners got away with one, and they knew it.

United's 22 shots, nine of which came inside the box, made up their highest tally in a Premier League match against Arsenal since they took 25 in that infamous 8-2 win of August 2011.

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David Raya had to make more saves than any other Premier League goalkeeper this weekend to keep Cunha, Mbeumo and co at bay (seven).

United will not be finishing 15th this time around. They likely will not be challenging for Champions League qualification, either.

But the combination of a rousing reaction from the stands and the animated aftermath on the pitch painted a vibrant picture.

The Red Devils are a goalkeeper and midfielder away from potentially turning an improved campaign (the ceiling is not high) into a successful one.

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A loss is a loss, though. Another poor result at Fulham on Sunday would make the Arsenal performance easy to forget.

Burnley at home follows, with a Carabao Cup second-round tie against League Two club Grimsby Town at Blundell Park wedged between them.

The expectation of an Arsenal victory at Old Trafford may have intensified the positive reaction to United's showing.

But Amorim's side will be expected to enter the first international break of the season on the back of three victories to get the campaign underway.