Manchester United earned a much-needed victory over Arsenal in a 3-2 mouthwatering encounter in matchweek 14. After a couple of abysmal months, the Red Devils finally found their momentum back. It was much of a competitive football the team needs to play and yesterday it showed.
It was Carrick’s last game in charge as the former-United midfielder decided to step down from the role of man Utd first-team coach. United’s new interim manager Ralf Rangnick was watching the match from the stands. He is expected to start his managerial career from this weekend against Palace.
Coming back to the match the goals came from very familiar sources, Ronaldo and Fernandes. The goals from the Portuguese were enough for redemption. Arsenal made a brilliant start to the game as they won 3 corners inside 5′ of the match. And proved to be threatening right from the start.
Smith Rowe found the opening goal in a bizarre situation. De Gea was down after Fred stepped on his foot while dealing with the Arsenal corner. Match referee Atkinson didn’t have much to do with it and the goal was given. Fernandes equalised in a grand fashion in his 100th appearance for the club after a wonderful build-up by Sancho and Fred. The latter provided a beautiful assist to Fernandes whose shot was enough to beat Ramsdale.
Much impressive 2nd half from Manchester United.
The second half was more joy as both the team started to play high pressing attacking football. Ronaldo gave United a perfect start to the second half all thanks to Dalot and Rashford who were quite sharp with their moves and cut-backs. But United couldn’t able to hold on to their lead much longer as Odegaard found the back of the net in just 2′ minutes from Ronaldo’s goal.
Telles was found nowhere near Martinelli in covering up the space. And that cost the second goal. Fred was involved again in the build-up for United’s third goal. Sancho’s pass was accurate to the Brazillian who was fouled by Odegaard inside the penalty box. Ronaldo then again scored from the spot to make it 3-2 for United in 70′.
Manchester United player ratings. (4-2-3-1 formation)
De Gea- 7.5
The Spaniard was again brilliant last night and it seems that he is back to his prime forms. Though he could have dealt with Smith Rowe’s goal he chose to stay down hoping for the whistle to blow. Later came up with 2 big saves in the second half.
Diogo Dalot- 8
He came in for Aaron Wan Bissaka and proved to be too good for United. I always rate Dalot more than AWB due to his attacking prowess and delicious crosses but he needs to work on his defense a bit more. Had shots on target in the 1st half and was also involved in the United’s 2nd goal.
Victor Lindelof- 7
The Swedish international was strong enough dealing with his aerial duals and headers. He had one good clearance in the later minutes of the game.
Harry Maguire- 8
No silly mistakes from the captain tonight. He was back after a game suspension. And was seen more often seen in the opponent’s half. A good couple of long and diagonal balls from him. Effectively led the backline quite nicely.
Alex Telles- 7
Another deserving player who needs to have more game time and he has proved his worth. Despite the mistake, he was impressive in 1v1 with Martinelli. Overall a decent performance from the Brazillian.
Scott McTominay- 5
Very poor game for him. Giving away possession, poor first touches, and unnecessary tackles.
Fred- 8
If the first 30′ was awful then the next 60′ was equally good for him. He had an assist in his name after providing a lovely ball to Fernandes inside the penalty box. Later on, won a penalty too for his team. And made one of the best defensive blocks than any of our backlines.
Marcus Rashford- 7.5
He could have played better. He wasn’t involved in pressing the players much. Ran down the channels more often but was poor in the final third. His assist to Ronaldo was the only positive for him.
Bruno Fernandes- 9
Our talisman was outstanding last night. Created enough chances for his team. He had a good relationship with Ronaldo and also scored a goal in style.
Jadon Sancho- 7
Though he wasn’t involved in the score sheet was quite sharp down the left flank. But the young star was involved in the buildup for the 1st and 3rd goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo- 10
My man of the match. Scored twice to see his team over the line. The Portuguese had great skills to fox Thomas Partey in the 48th minute but later on, his shot was well saved by Ramsdale.
Substitutes:
Jesse Lingard- 6
Came in for Marcus Rashford. The English forward had one good chance to score himself on the counter-attack but was well tackled by Tavares.
