Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal deserved victory over Manchester United despite FA Cup exit

Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, expressed immense pride in his players despite their elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of 10-man Manchester United, which was decided by penalties on Sunday.

The Gunners held a numerical advantage for more than an hour following Diogo Dalot's dismissal after receiving two yellow cards early in the second half.

Bruno Fernandes initially put United ahead, but Arsenal quickly equalized through Gabriel Magalhaes just moments after Dalot's exit. Nevertheless, a recurring inability to convert opportunities proved costly for Arteta's side, as yet another chance to end a five-year trophy drought slipped away.

Martin Odegaard's penalty was saved by Altay Bayindir, and both Kai Havertz and Declan Rice squandered significant opportunities to secure victory within the regulation time.

Following a scoreless 30 minutes of extra time, Havertz was the sole player to miss in the penalty shootout, as United's reserve goalkeeper Bayindir executed another remarkable save.

"It was unbelievable," Arteta remarked. "Based on our performance, we deserved to win by a considerable margin, but the reality is that we are out, and we will be judged solely on that."

Arsenal has finished as runners-up to Manchester City in the last two Premier League seasons, yet they have struggled to meet expectations this season as they aim to elevate their performance.

Currently, Arsenal trails Liverpool by six points in the Premier League title race, with Liverpool also holding a game in hand, and they suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final.

However, Arteta passionately defended his squad while looking ahead to the upcoming north London derby against Tottenham on Wednesday.

"I have great affection for my players, our team, and their quality," the Spaniard stated. "In a thousand matches like this, you might lose one, and this was that occasion. Yet, this is part of our profession, and we must move forward as we have no time to dwell, with a significant match ahead on Wednesday."

This victory marked another step forward for United's manager, Ruben Amorim, following his team's comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Liverpool the previous weekend.

The Red Devils were required to defend for extended periods even prior to their reduction to ten players.

"We must compete regardless of the circumstances, and we did so today," stated Amorim.

"Although they created more opportunities, I believe we earned the victory based on our performance and determination."

As a reward for advancing to the fourth round, United will face a familiar opponent, with Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy making a return to Old Trafford.

The Dutchman served as caretaker manager for four matches before Amorim's appointment in November.

Amorim chose not to keep Van Nistelrooy as part of his coaching team but expressed eagerness to reconnect with the legendary former striker of United.

"I am looking forward to our conversation. He is an exceptional individual," Amorim remarked.

"However, we must secure a win! Perhaps he will feel conflicted—his affection for this club is evident!"