Arsenal vs Manchester United | Player Ratings for the Red Devils

Manchester United vs Arsenal, Man Utd vs Arsenal

We work out the Manchester United player ratings from yet another incompetent outing, this time against Arsenal. The result served as a stark reminder of the club’s problems as they suffered a humiliating 3-1 loss to the Gunners on Saturday. Despite delivering relatively improved performance, a lack of coherence alongside poor errors resulted in a dampening afternoon for the Red Devils as their hopes for Europe continue to dwindle with every fixture.

An even battle saw both sides penetrate each other’s defence on multiple occasions during the first half. Following a poor error on the part of Raphael Varane and Alex Telles, an easy tap-in for Nuno Tavares saw the hosts take the lead early into the Arsenal vs Manchester United game.

Although United succeeded in creating chances following the opening goal, a foul by Telles saw the hosts granted a penalty, with Bukayo Saka successfully converting it; doubling their lead. However, a quick response by the visitors saw Cristiano Ronaldo capitalise on a melodious cross by Nemanja Matic, with United succeeding in halving the deficit going into the break.

Arsenal vs Manchester United, player ratings — Image Obtained via Sky Sports

An intense and compelling second half saw both sides strive to find the back of the net. Granit Xhaka’s exquisite strike from outside the penalty box resulted in Arsenal’s third goal on the afternoon. On the other hand, despite their efforts and goal-scoring opportunities, including a missed penalty, the visitors eventually failed to secure a result at the Emirates.

With the team and coaching staff evidently lacking the confidence, chemistry, and trust required to secure consistent points, it remains to be seen if the Red Devils qualify for a European competition next season. Having repeatedly disappointed the fan base, redemption seems unlikely for a squad incapable of displaying infectious application and desire on the pitch over the coming weeks.

Starting XI

David De Gea (GK) – 6/10: Amongst United’s better players on the afternoon, De Gea delivered a compelling performance on Saturday. Despite failing to keep a clean sheet, he registered a handful of crucial saves. The Spaniard will be keen on contributing to the team’s prospects over the coming weeks.

Diogo Dalot (RB) – 6/10: An energetic display saw Diogo Dalot deliver a notable performance against Arsenal. Having immensely contributed to the team’s attacking prowess alongside remaining solid in defence, the full-back emerged amongst United’s most compelling performers at the Emirates.

Victor Lindelof (RCB) – 5/10: Despite failing to keep a clean sheet, a decent outing saw Lindelof deliver a relatively improved performance in the Arsenal vs Manchester United game. Having executed his role diligently, the Swede will be keen on retaining his place against Chelsea next week.

Raphael Varane (LCB) – 5/10: Much like Lindelof, the Frenchman too remained a steady performer in the afternoon. Having made his first appearance since returning from injury, Varane will be keen on improving his performance for the sake of the team’s prospects over the coming weeks.

Alex Telles (LB) – 3/10: A string of errors saw Alex Telles fail to deliver an impactful contribution on Saturday. Having failed to make the best of his opportunities, it remains to the seen if the Brazilian remains a regular in the starting line-up over the remaining fixtures.

Nemanja Matic (CDM) – 6/10: An unnoticeable figure for most of the game, Matic’s assist ensured United remained in the hunt for a result going into the first half. Having been amongst the team’s handful of reliable performers in recent weeks, the Serbian will be keen on remaining consistent over the coming weeks.

Scott McTominay (CM) – 5/10: Much like Matic, the Scotsman too failed to have a noticeable impact against Arsenal. Having delivered a decent performance, McTominay will be keen on contributing to the team’s prospects moving forward.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM) – 2/10: A wasteful performance saw Fernandes fail to convert a penalty. He remained a frustratingly indisciplined figure throughout the ninety minutes. Having failed to justify his place in the starting line-up, it remains to be seen if the midfielder improves his performance over the coming weeks.

Anthony Elanga (RW) – 5/10: Although having troubled Arsenal’s defensive line in the initial minutes, Elanga struggled to make a lasting impact on Saturday. Having shown promising improvement, the youngster is likely to retain his place in the starting line-up over the remaining fixtures.

Jadon Sancho (LW) – 6/10: Amongst United’s impactful forwards on the afternoon. Sancho’s presence proved vital to the goal-scoring opportunities for Manchester United against Arsenal. Having delivered a relatively improved performance, the winger will be keen on improving his contributions over the coming weeks.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) – 6/10: The Red Devils’ most impressive player on the pitch. He bailed United out the last time he played and he remained a notable figure throughout the ninety minutes. Although having fallen victim to the team’s ability to sustain pressure on the opposition, the Portuguese international will be keen on increasing his tally of goal contributions over the remaining fixtures.

Cristiano Ronaldo scoring against Arsenal, Manchester United player ratings, Arsenal — Image Obtained Via MEN

Substitutes

Marcus Rashford (LW) – 4/10: An unnoticeable cameo saw Rashford, yet again fail to take his opportunity against Arsenal. Having been the team’s most disappointing player this season, the winger seems unlikely to pave his way into the starting line-up over the coming weeks.

Jesse Lingard (CM) – 4/10: Although having witnessed an increase in game-time in recent weeks, Lingard, once again, failed to deliver a notable cameo on Saturday. Expected to leave the club in the summer, the midfielder is likely to be utilised as a squad player over the coming weeks.

Juan Mata (CAM) – 6/10: A composed performance saw Mata contribute to United’s patience in possession in the final quarter of the game. Having delivered notable cameos in recent fixtures, the Spaniard will be keen on gaining a place in the starting line-up over the coming weeks.

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