The points were shared between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
An injury-hit Manchester United squad fought hard to pick up a point in a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes starred again, scoring a superb free-kick late in the first half to give United a lead. However, Declan Rice drew Arsenal level in the second half.
United remain 14th in the Premier League table but they can take confidence from their performance against the Gunners into Thursday’s crucial Europa League second leg against Real Sociedad.
Here are five things learned from United’s victory over Arsenal.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Bruno Fernandes continues hot streak
Just two weeks ago, United legend Roy Keane heavily criticised Bruno Fernandes, calling him an “imposter” and suggesting he lacked leadership.
Well, United’s captain stepped up (again) against Arsenal, scoring a free-kick in the first half from the side’s first shot on target.
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Fernandes has improved United’s set pieces, and he has now scored three goals of his own in his last five appearances.
Magnifico.
Joshua Zirkzee over Rasmus Hojlund
Ahead of kick-off at Old Trafford, Amorim picked out Joshua Zirkzee for praise and it was the Dutchman who was given the nod to start up front ahead of Rasmus Hojlund.
Hojlund was furious against Sociedad when he was starved of service, extending his goalless run to 19 games.
He was taken out of the firing line against Arsenal, with Amorim insisting before the match that he was simply being rested. Amorim eventually decided to swap his strikers with 15 minutes left on the clock.
Ruben Amorim opted for experience
Midweek in the Europa League, Amorim named an 18-man squad to face Sociedad which emphasised just how depleted United’s squad is.
Against Arsenal, Amorim once again had to rely on several academy players to fill the bench, but it was clear that the United boss relied on his experienced players.
Senior members of the squad such as Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Victor Lindelof all started, with the likes of Chido Obi and Toby Collyer named on the bench.
Man United did more than just ‘survive’
Before the match, there were some concerning comments from Amorim that United had to “survive” against Arsenal.
“We need to survive Sunday. The team was so tired in the last 20 minutes,” Amorim said.
Amorim has endured more frustrating afternoons than he’d like as United boss, but his side proved they were up to the fight on Sunday.
Ayden Heaven impresses against former side
There will be concerns over Leny Yoro’s fitness after he was spotted limping and taken off at half-time.
However, it did provide an opportunity for January signing Ayden Heaven to come on and face the side he left just over one month ago.
Heaven was near perfect on his debut against Fulham, and once again the 18-year-old proved why he is such an exciting prospect.