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Home > Arsenal > Ronaldo Shines Again but Rashford Continues Slump in Form | Here’s How United Players Fared Against Arsenal.

Ronaldo Shines Again but Rashford Continues Slump in Form | Here’s How United Players Fared Against Arsenal.

Manchester United vs Arsenal, Man Utd vs Arsenal

Manchester United secured three points for the second time in nine league games on Thursday as the Red Devils saw out a palatable 3-2 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford. An equalising goal by Bruno Fernandes followed by a sublime brace by Cristiano Ronaldo made the difference as United lessen the gap with fourth-placed West Ham to 3 points.

Manchester United vs Arsenal
Image Obtained via Evening Standard

Although Arsenal remained the more composed and calculative of the two sides, it was the Red Devils who took the spoils of victory. With Ralf Rangnick set to take charge for the first time this Sunday against Crystal Palace, the Red Devils will be hoping to significantly improve their performances going into a favourable set of fixtures.

Let’s have a look at how the Manchester United players fared against Arsenal on Thursday.

Starting XI:

David De Gea (GK) – 7/10

An unfortunate injury during live play saw David De Gea take part of the blame for Arsenal’s opening goal on Thursday. However, the Spaniard quickly redeemed himself, having produced a string of crucial saves to deny the visitors a chance to get back into the game throughout the ninety minutes. Although De Gea is yet to keep consecutive clean sheets this season, Rangnick’s arrival will hopefully spur the team into improving on their defensive frailties over the coming weeks.

Diogo Dalot (RB) – 7/10

A crucial tackle saw Dalot feed the ball to Marcus Rashford in the build-up to United’s second goal of the evening. Compact at the back and balanced in attack, the Portuguese right-back displayed an impressive performance given his lack of game time this season. With Luke Shaw injured and provided he builds upon the positives, Dalot could potentially cement his place as the first-choice right-back for the remainder of the campaign.

Victor Lindelof (RCB) – 6/10

Expected to start alongside Harry Maguire, the Swedish international provided a stable foundation in defence. Although Lindelof remained on the verge of producing a few hiccups, the centre-back eventually grew into the game and remained a reliable figure in the backline. With a new manager coming in, it remains to be seen if the Swede is seen as a first-teamer over the coming weeks.

Creator: Matthew Peters | Credit: Manchester United via Getty Images

Harry Maguire (LCB) – 6/10

A frustrating, yet unsurprising addition to the United starting line-up, Maguire produced a composed performance against Arsenal. The club captain managed to avoid making errors, delivering a confidence-boosting display on Thursday. With many fans concerned about his form and consistency, the English centre-back’s performances are likely to spark an intriguing conversation over the coming weeks.

Alex Telles (LB) – 6/10

Having started consecutive Premier League games for only the first time this season, Telles produced a relatively reassuring performance against the Gunners. The left-back remained a constant threat on the overlap whilst being solid in defence, for most of the ninety minutes. Although the Brazilian’s poor positioning led to Arsenal’s equaliser, Telles produced a well-rounded performance in comparison to Luke Shaw’s recent displays. Expected to be utilized under the new manager, Telles is likely to retain his place for the weekend given his recent performances.

Scott McTominay (CDM) – 5/10

Arguably, amongst United’s most pragmatic players on the evening, McTominay remained an unconvincing figure throughout the ninety minutes. While the Scotsman produced several tackles, his poor positioning and unwillingness to progress the ball up the pitch continually impeded United’s attacking prospects. Given Rangnick’s proactive approach, McTominay is the likeliest to be reduced to a squad role, provided he fails to adapt his game under the new manager.

Fred (CM) – 7/10

Having seemingly regained his confidence following a woeful start to the season, the Brazilian played a vital part in two of United’s goals on the evening. The midfielder’s tenacity and energy saw him single-handedly run the midfield against Arsenal while his offensive capabilities came under the spotlight, having been deployed in a box-to-box role. Expected to flourish under the new manager, Fred will likely cement his spot in the lineup provided he remains consistent over the coming weeks.

Marcus Rashford (RW) – 5/10

Oblivious throughout the first half, Rashford only managed to provide a meaningful assist for United’s second goal of the evening. The winger, yet again, lacked an infectious work rate and only marginally improved in the second half. With his spot under threat, provided he fails to fulfil the manager’s demands, Rashford is amongst many first-teamers to be kept an eye on over the upcoming tight schedule of fixtures.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM) – 6/10

Having scored United’s equaliser in the first half, the midfielder displayed a disciplined performance throughout the Manchester United vs Arsenal game. Fernandes’ vision and composure played a vital part in United retaining possession in the opposition’s half whilst remaining an available option in the attacking third of the pitch.

Jadon Sancho (LW) – 6/10

Although failing to provide a goal contribution, Sancho’s work rate combined with his threat on the break added to the balanced approach deployed by United from the first whistle. The winger’s ball retention played a vital part in Fred winning the penalty for the final goal, whilst his attacking threat provided the required balance on the left flank. Highly regarded by the new manager, Sancho is expected to reach new heights over the remainder of the campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) – 8/10

A match-winning brace saw Ronaldo, once again, guide United to a crucial victory against Arsenal on Thursday. The striker’s clinical nature in the penalty box caused problems in the second half as United adopted a comparatively attacking approach. Although many expect the Portuguese to struggle under the new manager, Ronaldo is more than capable of vindicating himself over the remainder of the campaign.

Substitutions:

Jesse Lingard (LW) – 6/10

Having replaced Rashford, Lingard adopted a comparatively conservative role on the left flank. The midfielder was granted only a few minutes, having been asked to keep possession in the opposition half.

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Anthony Martial (ST) – 6/10

Amongst the former first-teamers reduced to a squad role, Martial replaced Ronaldo in the dying minutes of the game. Expected to be given a chance under the new manager, the Frenchman will be hoping to resuscitate his United career over the coming months.

Donny Van De Beek (CAM) – 6/10

Replacing Bruno Fernandes in an advanced attacking role, Donny van de Beek, once again, failed to make the starting line-up, following his more than decent cameos. Amongst those who could potentially emerge as starters under the new manager, the Dutch midfielder will be hoping to make a lasting impression provided he gets an opportunity over the coming weeks.

Follow ArseDevils for more Matchday updates about Manchester United.

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