IT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.
On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.
GettyBruno Fernandes fired in a stunning free-kick[/caption]
APIt was a much-improved performance from United[/caption]
GettyJoshua Zirkzee had another tough day leading the line[/caption]
There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.
A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.
Alejandro Garnacho was fouled on the edge of the box to give United a free-kick in the skipper’s range.
Arsenal‘s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya between the sticks – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.
Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half but with a makeshift No9 up top, United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter.
Noussair Mazraoui had a huge chance saved by Raya in a wing-back to wing-back move that would have pleased Ruben Amorim.
But United’s defence was eventually breached by a brilliant effort from Declan Rice.
More chances fell to both sides, Rasmus Hojlund and Gabriel Martinelli coming close to winning it before Fernandes drew a fantastic stop from Raya in the dying embers.
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The Red Devils eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.
Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.
ANDRE ONANA – 6
Good early save from Odegaard’s shot and a flying second half tip over from the Norwegian.
Confident catch from a corner but then as he tried to take a quick goal kick he played it straight to an Arsenal player.
He put his next kick straight out of play and was teased for the rest of the day by the visiting fans.
Just about sums up the Cameroon’s time at United – sometimes great but with some head-scratching moments thrown in. Erratic. 6
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8
Got away with an early error which could have been costly. Also involved in a painful clash with Merino.
Dutch international has shown why United signed him in recent weeks. Crucial clearance over his own bar when Martinelli was poised to equalise.
Gave away free-kick with foul on Lewis Skelly that could have proved costly but also could have won it, only for his header from Garnacho‘s free-kick to lack power and direction. 8
VICTOR LINDELOF – 6
Looks destined for the Old Trafford exit this summer but has been thrust back into the team in recent weeks.
Stray pass put Arsenal on a counter attack late in the first half but the Swede can be pleased with his performance in the back three.
Lung-busting run from the back teed up Garnacho for a late chance to win it but he fired his shot over the bar. 6
LENY YORO – 6
Needed treatment early on and looked to be feeling the effects for most of the first half and at times the young Frenchman was noticeably limping.
Question marks over whether it was wise to soldier on with the injury list and a bigger game coming up on Thursday.
But he had some important interceptions before it was decided he could not continue at the break – when he was replaced by Ayden Heaven. 6
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6
Showed his versatility by switching to wing-back after playing at centre-back in recent weeks.
What a moment it could – and should – have been as he met Dalot’s cross first time only to be denied by the legs of Raya.
Currently fasting due to Ramadan but did not lack energy up and down his wing and did his bit defensively. 6
BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
The skipper tends to be at the heart of all United’s best work.
Clever play to tee-up Garnacho but his angled shot drifted wide.
Showed his quality with the free-kick just before half-time – whipping it over the wall and beyond Raya.
Also could have edged it right at the death but was denied by Raya. 8
CASEMIRO – 7
United fans might have feared the worst when they saw the midfield selected.
Arsenal had most of the ball for much of the game but he showed his experience to help keep clear chances to a minimum.
Early foot in to deny Rice, did well to get in the way of Odegaard’s free-kick. 7
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Portuguese was making his 200th appearance for United.
Hung up a super cross to the back post which Mazraoui should have scored to put the home side two up – but Raya denied him.
Some feel the Portuguese needs to take more risks when he goes forward but he did his bit defensively to help keep the Gunners at bay.
Wasted a late chance to put a good cross in during stoppage time. 6
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5
Drafted in so goal shy forward Hojlund could be taken out of the firing line.
The former Spurs man would have loved to make an impression against the Gunners but playing him in a more advanced role did not really work.
Amorim chose to take him off in favour of the fresh legs of Collyer soon after the equaliser – knowing United needed some new impetus. 5
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7
Better from the Argentine who has lost his way in recent weeks.
Cross shot beat Raya but drifted wide in the first half but then won a free-kick on edge of box when his surging run ended with a foul by Trossard.
Also supplied the cross that De Ligt headed straight at Raya as both sides searched for the winner. 7
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 5
A typically frustrating first half from the Dutch forward as nothing he tried seemed to come off. Was also shrugged off the ball too easily.
Attempted a cheeky back heel as he got on the end of Garnacho’s cross but Raya stuck a big right hand out to deny him.
Would have been a big moment for him but instead he was subbed as soon as the Gunners equalised and replaced by Hojlund. 5
SUBS:
AYDEN HEAVEN for Yoro 46 – 6
Prem debut as a second half sub – ironically against his former club and did well. 6
RASMUS HOJLUND for Zirkzee 76 – 6
Golden chance to win it but dallied too long. 6
TOBY COLLYER for Eriksen 76 – 6
Gave United a bit more energy in the closing stages. 6
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