Manchester United and Jose Mourinho failed to stitch a couple of wins together yet again as a late goal from Olivier Giroud gave Arsene Wenger’s side a point from their trip to the Old Trafford this weekend. Juan Mata gave the Red Devils a lead early in the second half as United looked under control until the visitors stepped up their game in the last 10 minutes, probing just enough to find an equaliser. Petr Cech was called on late in the game to make a couple of saves but all in all, the Gunners will be happy with the result after the performance they put while Mourinho will be disgusted that they allowed their opponents a free header 5 yards from goal in the dying minutes of the game.
Here are the player ratings for the Red Devils for this game:
David de Gea (6):
Could not do much to save Giroud’s goal but put in a decent performance, commanding his box when called upon on the night.
Antonio Valencia (8):
Was hardly tested at the back as Valencia made merry in the final third, putting in an impressive performance and providing his side with some width down his flank.
Phil Jones (6):
His slip late in the game allowed Giroud to bury his header in the near post but the English defender put in a decent performance keeping Arsenal away from danger for most of the game.
Marcos Rojo (7):
Had a spring in his step as he dominated his area at the back giving the Arsenal players no space or time on the ball in an impressive performance by the make-shift center back.
Matteo Darmian (6):
Picked up an unnecessary booking early in the game that limited his ability as he had to be subbed off early in the second half.
Michael Carrick (7):
Sat back and defended well alongside his back four as he frustrated the Arsenal attack to keep their threat to a minimal.
Ander Herrera (7):
The best midfielder on display on the night, Herrera, put in an energetic performance keeping Arsenal honest throughout the game to earn his side a point.
Juan Mata (8):
The man of the match on the night opened the scoring with a neat finish and also created a few chances for his side.
Paul Pogba (7):
Played a role in Mata’s goal and also sparkled on more than one occasion as the French midfielder is starting to get used to his role at the club.
Anthony Martial (5):
Though tested the Arsenal keeper a couple of times in the first half, Martial failed to provide the kind of an attacking edge that Mourinho wanted and was replaced early in the second half.
Marcus Rashford (5):
Should have done better in the build-up to the equaliser but apart from that, the English youngster put in yet another impressive performance, repaying the faith of his manager.
Subs:
Wayne Rooney (5):
Came in with half an hour to play but hardly had an impact on the game apart from a couple of decent through balls in the final third.
Daley Blind (5):
Came in late in the game to try and protect the 1-goal lead.
Morgan Schneiderlin (5):
Came into the game just before the goal and hardly had enough time to create an impact at either end.