Full Time: Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
Manchester United were dealt a bitter blow to their top four hopes when they were handed a 2-0 defeat by Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.
Two goals in the space of four minutes by midfielder Granit Xhaka and former United player Danny Welbeck early in the second half were enough to bring an end to United’s 25-match unbeaten in the league dating to October last year.
The result means United are just two points ahead of the Gunners, who have a game in hand while the Red Devils also fell four points behind Manchester City in the fourth place, with a Champions League spot looking bleaker by the minute. Here is how the United players fared against Arsenal:
Manchester United Player Ratings
David De Gea – 7/10
Made an excellent stop to deny Aaron Ramsey that had Jose Mourinho on his feet. There was nothing he could do to stop either goals.
Axel Tuanzebe – 6.5/10
Thrown into the deep end by the manager for his Premier League debut, the youngster acquitted himself with a fine display. Composed and kept Alexis Sanchez in check for long parts of the game.
Phil Jones – 4/10
Looked nervy and far from assured upon his return to the line-up after close to two months. Was exposed by Arsenal on many occasions.
Chris Smalling – 5/10
At fault for the second goal as he failed to pick up Welbeck. Looked short on match fitness.
Matteo Darmian – 4/10
Partially at blame for Welbeck’s goal. Went missing for most of the game, with no real contribution at either ends of the pitch.
Michael Carrick – 5/10
Often overran in the midfield and as a result, the veteran midfielder could not help his team get on the front foot for almost the entire game.
Ander Herrera – 5/10
Made two important tackles, but did not try and block Xhaka’s attempt for the opener. Did not offer much going forward either.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 5/10
Never really got involved in the game and had a little extra to do defensively with Darmian struggling. Faded and was replaced on the hour mark.
Juan Mata – 6/10
Started sharply for someone who hadn’t played for close to two months, but seemed to fade away after the restart. Lacked the support in the attacking third.
Wayne Rooney – 4/10
Missed a great chance in the first half. Had six shots in the game – more than all of his teammates combined, but only two on target. Poor.
Anthony Martial – 6/10
Provided a focal point at the top, but wasn’t backed up by his fellow attackers and lacked service as a result.
Substitutions
Jesse Lingard – 5/10
Replaced Mkhitaryan on the hour mark. Lively but no effect.
Marcus Rashford – 6/10
Came on for Herrera in the 63rd minute. Adventurous, but could not bring his team back into the game.
Scott McTominay – NA
Replaced Mata for the last five minutes to make his senior debut.