Three key learnings from Manchester United vs Arsenal game after the game ends in a 1-1 draw

In what was called one of the fiercest rivalries a decade ago, it has become a tough game where both teams are struggling to get going with it, reducing it to a single-goal affair. And with the club having a terrible season, Manchester United were expected to lose the fixture by at least two goals. However, the Old Trafford outfit held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in the 28th game of the Premier League campaign. Starting the game on high tempo, Arsenal looked like a threatening side while Manchester United sat back in a low block. However, the Red Devils grew into the game, with them attacking on a counter. It yielded a result when Bruno Fernandes scored from a free kick to go 1-0 at the break. 

In the second half, Ruben Amorim’s men created a plethora of chances. David Raya stood tall in the game to deny clear chances. Declan Rice scored a pile driver in the 70th minute to bring Arsenal back into the game. The game was stretched end to end without being able to find the back of the net, resulting in a draw.

Three key learnings from Manchester United vs Arsenal game:

1) Bruno Fernandes is the heart and soul of Manchester United

Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has been under fire by the former Manchester United players and legends but the club has backed the player to the core. On the other hand, Bruno Fernandes has lived up to the hype with goal contributions in the past few games. The player again scored the free kick against Arsenal in the final minutes of the first half. He also went on to create several chances while also working socks off in the defense to help other players perform up the pitch. He had three shots on target and two tackles in the game to cap it off. Even the commentators were in awe of the player for the performance.

2) Youngsters step up big time for Manchester United 

Manchester United's squad has continued to deplete over the last few months and the constant struggle while putting their best XI has been a task for Ruben Amorim. Against Arsenal, Amorim did not have his first-choice center-backs ready for the game and had to field the youngsters. In the playing XI, he had fielded two teens in the form of Leny Yoro and Alejandro Garnacho. Leny Yoro put in a solid shift in the first half but was injured.

Without taking any risk, Ayden Heaven was fielded by Amorim in the second half. The 18-year-old did not disappoint, putting in a solid shift and showing the world why he deserved a Premier League debut. Heaven guarded the left flank with his aerial and tackling defensive prowess. Talking about the Argentinian wonderkind Garnacho, he put up a shift on wings to create chances up the top of the pitch while also putting in significant defensive work. 

3) Arsenal’s title is nothing but all over 

Arsenal’s title challenge wheels are slowly coming off and in the previous two games, they had failed to register a victory. They were under severe pressure to win the game to keep their hopes of winning the Premier League alive. However, with the draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, the game between them and the league leaders Liverpool have become 15 points with a game in hand. With only ten games to go, Arsenal need nothing less than a miracle where Liverpool must lose at least five out of their next ten fixtures while Arsenal is on an unbeaten streak. The draw meant that Arsenal’s title challenge came to a staggering halt. 

Manchester United vs Arsenal: Player Ratings 

Manchester United

• Andre Onana: 7
• Nouasser Mazroui: 7.5
• Matthijs de Ligt: 7
• Victor Lindelof: 6.8
• Leny Yoro: 6.5
• Diogo Dalot: 6.5
• Casemiro: 7
• Christian Eriksen: 6.8
• Bruno Fernandes: 8.5
• Joshua Zirkzee: 6.8
• Alejandro Garnacho: 7

Substitutes: Ayden Heaven (7.2), Rasmus Hojlund (6), Toby Colleyer (6.8)

Arsenal 

• David Raya: 8.5
• Ricardo Calafiori: 6
• Gabriel: 6.5
• William Saliba: 6.8
• Jurian Timber: 7.5
• Martin Odegaard: 7
• Thomas Partey: 7
• Declan Rice: 7.5
• Mikel Merino: 6.5
• Ethan Nwaneri: 6.5
• Leandro Trossard: 6.5

Substitutes: Keiran Tierney (6), Nathan Lewis Skelly (6), Gabriel Martinelli (6.8)

Next match for Manchester United: Real Sociedad, The Old Trafford Stadium, 13th March, UEFA Europa League Round of 16

Next match for Arsenal: vs PSV Eindhoven, The Emirates Stadium, 12th March, UEFA Champions League Round of 16