Bruno Fernandes scored a stunning free-kick for Manchester United against ArsenalBruno Fernandes scored a stunning free-kick for Manchester United against Arsenal
Bruno Fernandes scored a stunning free-kick for Manchester United against Arsenal | Manchester United via Getty Images
Man Utd player ratings from the defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League fixture on Sunday afternoon.
Bruno Fernandes shone again as Manchester United held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. Ruben Amorim made two changes to the line up ahead of a pivotal Europa League second leg against Real Sociedad, with Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen selected instead of the suspended Patrick Dorgu and the fatigued Rasmus Hojlund.
Arsenal dominated the encounter and twice went close in the opening stages through Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard, while Leandro Trossard fizzed an effort just wide of the post from the edge of the box. Yet it was United who took the lead against the run of play, when captain Bruno Fernandes scored a tremendous free-kick on the stroke of half-time.
The visitors started brightly after the restart yet it was United who nearly netted a second when Noussair Mazraoui was denied from close range by David Raya, before Joshua Zirkzee also saw an effort stopped by the goalkeeper. Arsenal pushed for an equaliser and finally got the goal they deserved when Declan Rice blasted in from the edge of the box.
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Rasmus Hojlund squandered an incredible opportunity to win the match for his side and Fernandes saw an injury time effort cleared off the line as United held on to secure an unlikely point. Here is how we rated the players from the encouraging performance:
Manchester United player ratings vs Arsenal
Andre Onana - 5
His distribution continues to be an issue that restricts the build up play. A few good saves as you’d expect to redeem his performance.
Matthijs de Ligt - 7
Another composed defensive performance to add to his collection. He was a rock at the back and ended many Arsenal attacks.
Victor Lindelof - 5
He was a little shaky at times but deserves credit for the way he played on his return to the starting line up. He dug deep for his side when required.
Leny Yoro - 6
He defended well and played on heroically before he was eventually replaced at half-time. A real concern to see him withdrawn.
Noussair Mazraoui - 7
An enterprising performance on the right flank and he linked up well with Alejandro Garnacho at times. He should have scored in the second-half.
Casemiro - 6
Another solid showing in central midfield after he shone against Sociedad. He could have an important role to play in the final months of the season.
Bruno Fernandes - 8
The United talisman once again. He led by example and scored a tremendous free-kick to give his side the lead. They would be far worse off without him.
Diogo Dalot - 5
A mixed bag. He was wasteful with the ball at times but produced an excellent cross that should have lead to a second goal. He will never be a wing-back, never mind an inverted one.
Alejandro Garnacho - 6
A menace in the final third. He gave United an out ball and relished the battle with Riccardo Calafiori. Another match in which he lacked end product though.
Christian Eriksen - 5
The match was a bit too intense for him and he was rarely involved. No complaints when he was replaced in favour of Toby Collyer.
Joshua Zirkzee - 6
He is not a striker and offered little goal threat playing as one. He redeemed himself with good work off the ball and put in a lot of effort.
Ayden Heaven - 7
An impressive showing on his Premier League debut. He didn’t look fazed in the backline and performed well against one of the best sides in Europe.
Toby Collyer - 6
He did what was required of him to bring energy to the United midfield at a crucial stage of the match. It’s important to have him available again.
Rasmus Hojlund - 4
An awful touch to waste a glorious opportunity to win the match. 20 games without a goal and his confidence looks shot. Inexcusable.
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