"We have to compete no matter what, no matter the situation" - Ruben Amorim reacts after Manchester United's win against Arsenal

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim gave a shoutout to his side following their shootout win at Arsenal in their FA Cup opener on Sunday (January 12). Following a goalless first half, both sides scored.

After captain Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring inside 52 minutes, the visitors lost Diogo Dalot nine minutes later due to a second yellow card. Arsenal capitalised on their numerical advantage in the 63rd minute by equalising through Gabriel Magalhaes.

Martin Odegaard squandered a penalty for the hosts as extra time and eventually penalties ensued. Although the Norwegian scored in the shootout, Kai Havertz saw his effort saved. United, meanwhile, converted all five spot-kicks, with Joshua Zirkzee drilling home the winning penalty, sealing a 5-3 win.

Despite playing for nearly an hour with 10 men, Amorim's men emerged victorious, and the former Sporting CP boss couldn't be happier with his side's effort. He said (as per UtdDistrict via the BBC):

"We have to compete no matter what, no matter the situation. That's what we did today."

He added:

"It was a good day, but now I'm thinking about the next game."

The Red Devils next take on Leicester City in the fourth round. Before that, they are next in action at home to Southampton on Thursday (January 16) in the Premier League, where they are 13th after 20 games, 23 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool (46), who have a game in hand.

---

"We want to celebrate, but our focus is now Southampton" - Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes after beating Arsenal

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has said that the team have little time for celebration, as they have a Premier League clash with Southampton up next.

The Red Devils kicked off their title defence with a hard-fought shootout win at the Emirates but have work to do in the league, having won only six of their opening 20 games.

"I know we want to celebrate and everything, but our focus is now Southampton; that is when we have to back it up," Fernandes said after the Arsenal win (as per the BBC).

"The big games against Liverpool, Arsenal, everyone steps up because it's a big game. You want to be in these kinds of games, you want to be involved, you want to be the best but we have to do it in Old Trafford with these fans again. We have to give it back for the club. We need to do it every week, every game."

Manchester United are unbeaten in two games across competitions this year, having drawn 2-2 at Premier League leaders Liverpool last week.