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Four things we learnt from Man United's 1-1 draw with Arsenal

Manchester United were on course for a much-needed victory at Old Trafford, however, Declan Rice's late equaliser cancelled out Bruno Fernandes' superb free-kick goal, meaning the hosts had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

An injury-hit United side were unable to get out of their own half for the majority of the first half, with the visitors dominating proceedings.

However, on the stroke of half-time, Fernandes opened the scoring with a controversial free-kick.

The Gunners complained to referee Anthony Taylor about the distance of their wall, however, VAR could not intervene and the goal stood.

The Red Devils improved in the second half and wing-back Noussair Mazraoui saw his close-range volley saved superbly by David Raya.

Arsenal deservedly got themselves back in the game with Rice finding the back of the net from the edge of the box with a fierce effort.

The Englishman also made a heroic last-ditch tackle to deny Ramus Hojlund in the penalty area, while Raya made another great save to prevent Fernandes from restoring the lead for Ruben Amorim's side.

Here are the key takeaways from the contest.

Summer signings show their worth

Amorim will not be satisfied with the club's league position, however, he will be more than encouraged by the performances of United's summer signings in recent weeks. Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee and Mazraoui excelled against Arsenal, with the four players looking more settled at Old Trafford.

De Ligt thrives in these kind of encounters where he can showcase his natural defensive instincts. The Reds were under pressure for most of the contest, however, the Dutchman was able to dominate Mikel Merino, who was operating as the number nine.

Yoro was equally impressive in the first 45 minutes and looked comfortable on the left-hand side of the back three. However, the Frenchman was replaced at half-time and is now an injury doubt for the Real Sociedad match.

Zirkzee was isolated at times in this contest but in the second half, he managed to evade defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. Mazraoui, who has been criticised for his final third actions, frequently got forward and came close to getting himself on the scoresheet.

United perform against better opposition

Throughout the current Premier League campaign, Amorim's men have struggled to pick up points against inferior sides. This is mainly because of their defensive vulnerabilities during transitions and their inability to break down a low block.

However, against the traditional 'big six', United often produce a performance that the fans can get behind. In this encounter, the hosts allowed Arsenal to have the majority of the ball but were dangerous in transitions with Alejandro Garnacho being the main outlet.

In terms of their structure, the hosts were extremely disciplined out of possession with Casemiro making numerous tackles and interceptions in central areas. Despite this, the Red Devils can't continue to perform only just in big matches if they want to progress up the table and Amorim has already admitted he doesn't want his team to play primarily in a low block.

Garnacho thrives in new role

A lot of attention has been on Garnacho in recent weeks, with his goal contributions drying up this season and reports continuing to suggest he will leave Old Trafford in the near future. Despite this, Amorim has continued to show faith in the 20-year-old and has now adjusted his role in the team.

Although the Argentine prefers to cut in from the left, he has been moved to the right-hand side in the matches against Real Sociedad and Arsenal. In both of these games, Garnacho has been a constant threat and has provided an outlet when his team is under pressure.

The winger had the better of left-back Riccardo Calafiori all game and won the free-kick, which Fernandes converted. Garancho seems to have found some form ahead of another crucial match under the lights at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

Heaven impresses against former club

Ayden Heaven was an unused substitute for Arsenal earlier on in the season when they played Man United. The teenager made the switch from the Emirates to Old Trafford in January and has already made a handful of appearances for his new club.

Heaven replaced the injured Yoro at half-time and on his Premier League debut and grabbed the headlines with an impressive display. The left-footed centre-back used his aggressiveness to his advantage to make numerous interceptions.

He was also calm and composed on the ball, frequently playing through the Arsenal press. This signing looks like a shrewd bit of business from the Reds and it could be a deal that his former club regret.

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