United have halted Arsenal's title charge for good
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Manchester United have stopped any talk of an Arsenal title charge, fending off a late effort from the Gunners in a 1-1 draw that saw a great Bruno Fernandes free kick and some good chances missed. The result has led to some fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section to share their excitement at the signs of improvement the side are finally showing under Ruben Amorim.
A dull first half where United were second-best was capped off by Bruno Fernandes sending a free kick past David Raya, with complaints from Arsenal that their wall was directed to stand too far back. United's levels improved after the break, but Declan Rice was still able to steal a goal back in the 74th minute.
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The second-half performance has given some fans something to cheer about, but the club now have a record of one win in six games in all competitions, and there's much work to do. Amorim was full of praise for captain Fernandes, saying: “What I can say is that we need more Brunos. That is clear. Not just the quality, the character - not some mistakes - but the character he has. The availability in this league is so important and he's so decisive with the ball and without the ball.”
Some readers were happy to take the draw. Commenter Steady Irwin says: “Great result, some bookies gave United a 16% chance of winning today. Given who we are as a team at the minute, that was a real underdog result. It felt like a win. Well done to all the players. Heaven looks good at the back, he's young so the mistakes will come, but looks very promising so far. Thought Collyer did well too when he came on.”
Reader Muboy writes: “Encouraging to see Collyer and Heaven do well. Garnacho stepped up today in my opinion - he's just a young lad and he's being asked to essentially lead United's attack. That's a huge ask and I thought he did well.”
Jungle Jerry says: “It was a better performance from United. They created more chances but unfortunately, none of the chances could be converted. Mazraoui was massive today. Casemiro maintained his form from the Europa League game against Sociedad. Fernandes was good today. If only he can maintain this kind of performance every game!”
Busby68 writes: “When all is said and done, a fair result given Utd were under the cosh for lengthy periods. Great free kick from Bruno. Some backs to the wall defending. Mazraoui showing what a wing back is capable of doing, if it’s done well. Dalot on the other hand...?”
Kolarov13 says: “I thought it was a very good performance from United, and the energy levels were the best I've seen for most of the season.”
MickShaw writes: “We should have won it. We played well. At long last we are seeing an improvement and with ten injured players out. Mazraoui showed his class today and he was a joy to watch, Bruno had a wonderful free kick and was so unlucky not to grab the winner at the end. I'm still not convinced about the keeper and we need to bring a striker in, but it was a good showing today.”
Xabia1 says: “How we didn't win I will never know, but someday the goals will flow again and these guys will remember how to finish! Really nice effort, and I am just impressed with how things are being held together despite all the chaos. Even if we lose on Thursday it will be fine, and eventually this team under this manager will rise again. I can be as negative as anyone but put me firmly in the 'Ruben Amorim believer' camp.”
Have your say! Did the second-half performance give you hope in this Manchester United team too? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.