Manchester United beat Arsenal 2-1 at Old Trafford in Arsene Wenger’s final game at Old Trafford as Arsenal manager. Paul Pogba opened the scoring in the 16th minute, former United player Henrikh Mkhitaryan scoring the equaliser in the 51st minute then United leaving it late with Marouane Fellaini scoring the winner in stoppage time.
United played well throughout the game, attempting to attack but not really taking the bull by the horns. Paul Pogba put in another good performance against a top six team, opening the scoring with a great reaction to put his side into the lead. Jose Mourinho’s side were perhaps lacking that extra ingredient against the Gunners.
Losing Romelu Lukaku in the first six minutes of the second half was a big blow. Hopefully, the injury is nothing serious. Henrikh Mkhitaryan equalised for Arsenal just after Lukaku went off, United were shocking in defence, seemingly allowing the Armenian to walk the ball through and find the back of the net.
Despite digging deep and trying to win the game, it did look as if it would be another of those games where chances taken were just not good enough to find a victory. Marouane Fellaini and Marcus Rashford looked as if the game was won in the last few minutes of the match but the goal was ruled out. However, Fellaini did win the game for United in stoppage time with a header.
Manchester United
1 David De Gea
The Spanish number one could not keep a clean sheet, but neither could Ederson earlier today. Wrong footed for Mkhitaryan's goal. Had little to do other than that.
25 Antonio Valencia
The Ecuadorian had a solid game. Did what he needed to do. Defended well, at times and helped the attacking players. Could have scored, but forgot his shooting boots today!
2 Victor Lindelof
The Swede had a good game which will boost his confidence. No clean sheet but another win to end the season on a high. His physicality might be a problem, one that he can address in the summer, ready for next season.
Chris Smalling
Could have scored again, but miskicked the ball. Seemed to be better attacking from set-pieces than he did doing his job in the back four. Consistent at times, dangerous on occasion.
18 Ashley Young
One of the contenders for the MOTM today. Dug deep and pulled it out of the bag for United. Defended well, not that much was needed. Attacked a lot. Provided the assist for the winner.
21 Ander Herrera
Had a good game at times but was deemed at fault for Arsenal's equaliser. His future may be up in the air right now but he's a player when he's in form. Replaced by Fellaini.
31 Nemanja Matic
Man of the Match for me. onsistency proved to win the game and Matic was consistent. Not a lot to ask for really. He was next to faultless. Shows what a great signing he was last summer.
6 Paul Pogba
It was amixed game for the Frenchman. At the start he seemed to be up for taking the bull by the horns and showing himself, scoring the opening goal. After that he seemed to disappear, coming back for the final trek towards the end of the game. Decent performance when involved. Needs to be involved more, especially in a favoured role.
14 Jesse Lingard
Seemed to be up for the match in the early stages and had great positioning and attacking threat but he seemed to tire late in the first half. Replaced by Martial.
Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian was having a great game and his presence in it was massive, despite not scoring many goals of late. The fact he limped off early in the second half. Hopefully he's not out for a long spell as he will be a big loss. Replaced by Rashford.
Alexis Sanchez
The former Arsenal front man got involved against his former club but the magic he has been capable of recently was not something that he brought. Could have scored from the header early on, Bellerin putting it towards the post and Pogba scoring the rebound. Other than than, the Chilean was not really dominating.
Substitutes
10 Marcus Rashford
Replaced Lukaku 50'. Came on to lead the line. Was not as prevalent in the attacking areas as he could be. Still needs to raise his game a bit more to lead the line.
27 Marouane Fellaini
Replaced Herrera 63'. Scored the winner for United. Might be on his way in the summer, but in terms of input, under Mourinho, he has done well.
9 Anthony Martial
Replaced Lingard 63'. Does not seem to be the player Martial FC think he is. He has talent and bags of potential but you can see why he's not starting. Had some good moments after coming on today but he needs to impress.
Goals: Paul Pogba 16′, Marouane Fellaini 90+1′
Assists: Ashley Young 90+1′
Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia, Lindelof, Smalling, Young; Herrera (Fellaini 63′), Matic, Pogba; Lingard (Martial 63′), Lukaku (Rashford 50′), Sanchez
Substitutes Not Used: Pereira; Rojo; Mata, McTominay
