Ruben Amorim praised his Manchester United side for earning their place in the FA Cup fourth round at Arsenal’s expense, highlighting their unity under pressure.

United faced adversity, playing with 10 men from the 61st minute after Diogo Dalot was sent off for a second yellow card following a tackle on Mikel Merino.

Despite the challenge, the team held firm, forcing extra time and a penalty shootout to secure victory. The triumph follows their 2-0 loss to Arsenal on December 4, which was Amorim’s first defeat as United manager.

Amorim remarked, “We displayed a different mentality compared to our last match against Arsenal, even with 10 men. We struggled early in the game to control possession and found ourselves chasing the ball. While Arsenal didn’t create major chances, they dominated with fresh legs and maintained control, which made it a tough fight for us.

“However, our unity and determination to overcome the difficulties paid off. We deserved this win because we suffered together and demonstrated great character.

“The players were exhausted, but from the start, I felt it was our day. There was a strong connection between our fans, our staff, and the team. It was a very special day for us.”

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.’