MANCHESTER UNITED slumped to a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Arsenal, as they remain winless at Old Trafford in the Premier League this season.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to deploy a 4-4-2 diamond formation, which only seemed to accentuate Arsenal’s strength on the flanks – while dumbfounding his own midfielders in the process.
Manchester United struggled to get going at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Press Association
While it wasn’t the shambles of a 6-1 defeat to Spurs or 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace, today’s result will have fans fuming, spoiling the good work of the mid-week 5-0 drubbing of RB Leipzig.
SunSport’s Etienne Fermie runs the rule over United’s stars after the loss.
DAVID DE GEA – 5/10
Not much to do as Arsenal squandered most of their chances. Powerless to stop Aubameyang’s penalty.
AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 6
Careless on the ball allowing Bukayo Saka in behind, before having to foul the Arsenal teen.
Mixed characteristic last-ditch challenges, often necessitated by his lack of protection from team-mates, with a few forays forward – though his crossing remains sub-par.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was made to do a lot of defendingCredit: AP:Associated Press
VICTOR LINDELOF – 6
Ran into a cul-de-sac in the first half, with Willian nearly making him pay as he hit the crossbar.
Made last ditch challenge to deny Lacazette a clear opening.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
Lofted a header agonisingly wide from a decent Shaw set-piece.
Kept busy by United’s lack of ambition for much of the game, but struggled to have a big impact.
LUKE SHAW – 5
Was left exposed by United’s diamond formation, with Hector Bellerin being given a number of free runs at him.
Luke Shaw was given a tricky time by Hector BellerinCredit: AP:Associated Press
FRED – 5
Booked in the first-half. Was deployed as deepest of United’s midfielders and at times sat between the centre-backs, without having much of an effect on the game.
SCOTT MCTOMINAY – 6
Left his mark on Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang at the start of the second-half with a hard but fair challenge, setting up a Fernandes shot in the process.
Couldn’t drive his team forward.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 4
Kept quiet for large spells by Arsenal’s engine room.
As uninfluential as you will ever see the Portuguese.
Bruno Fernandes was kept quiet for large spellsCredit: AFP or Licensors
PAUL POGBA – 4
Essentially played as a left midfielder in Solskjaer’s odd diamond formation and struggled to make a positive impact.
Clumsily fouled Hector Bellerin to give away the deciding penalty.
There could be no complaints as Pogba gave away a penaltyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
MASON GREENWOOD – 5
Tested Bernd Leno with a decent low effort from a tight angle.
Ran into a crowd of defenders when in a couple of decent positions. Booked for a hack on Lacazette.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 5
Lovely nutmeg on Rob Holding early on and an equally lovely pass to set up a decent Greenwood chance in the first-half.
Overall, however, the England star was kept quiet by excellent Arsenal defending.
Rashford was largely kept quiet by Arsenal’s stubborn rear guardCredit: AP:Associated Press
SUBSTITUTES
Nemanja Matic (for Fred, 62) 5 – Wanted a penalty after being on the end of a superb Gabriel last-ditch challenge.
Edinson Cavani (for Greenwood, 75) – 5 Struggled to get involved as he continues to get up to speed.
Donny van de Beek (for Fernandes, 75) 6 – Scurried around and saw a late centre deflect agonisingly onto the post.
Subs not used: Dean Henderson, Axel Tuanzebe, Brandon Williams, Juan Mata
Solskjaer insists Donny van de Beek to play ‘big part’ in United’s season
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
