Manchester United’s costly new forward lineup failed to make an impact as Arsenal began their Premier League title quest with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday. Riccardo Calafiori scored the only goal, seizing on a major error by United’s temporary goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. United invested £200 million ($271 million) in new forwards to boost their attacking strength. Despite promising performances, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo couldn’t find the net, and substitute Benjamin Sesko didn’t make Arsenal regret not pursuing him further. Having finished second for the last three seasons, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces pressure to secure the club’s first league title since 2003/04. Arteta relied on a solid defence and goalkeeper David Raya to earn three vital points as the visitors struggled offensively. United’s 44 goals in 38 league games last season marked their worst campaign in 51 years, finishing 15th in the table. The new signings have revitalised the atmosphere at Old Trafford, with most of the 75,000 fans present encouraged by Ruben Amorim’s team’s performance. Cunha and Mbeumo tested Arsenal’s usually reliable centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba early on. However, United’s efforts were undermined by a crucial error from Bayindir, who was filling in for the injured Andre Onana. The Turkish international mishandled a Declan Rice corner in the 13th minute, enabling Calafiori to easily head into an open net. Patrick Dorgu came closest to equalising for United before half-time, striking the post with a powerful long-range shot. Mbeumo and Cunha had weak attempts saved by Raya, who also made an outstanding save to deflect another Cunha shot across goal. Arsenal had been interested in Sesko for over a year before opting for Viktor Gyokeres to fill their number nine role. The Swede had a quiet Premier League debut and was substituted before the hour mark for Kai Havertz. Sesko received a hero’s welcome after choosing United over Newcastle. United continued to dominate play without scoring, with Mbeumo’s powerful header expertly saved by Raya. But Arsenal held firm to keep pace with title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, who also won on the opening weekend. (With AFP Inputs)