Manchester United continued their fine run of form as they defeated table-toppers Arsenal by 3-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
It was a clinical performance from the hosts as they won their fourth consecutive game.
New summer signing Antony gave Man United the lead with a cool finish past Aaron Ramsdale.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka scored a well-deserved equaliser early in the second half.
With the momentum swinging in the Gunners’ favour, Marcus Rashford stood up to score two goals to hand Erik ten Hag a massive victory.
Let’s see how the players performed.
David de Gea – 7/10
The Spaniard made two crucial saves in the first half to deny Arsenal get an early lead. The new gaffer will still want him to work on his ball distribution.
Diogo Dalot – 8/10
Dalot’s stock is rising since the arrival of Ten Hag at United. It was another commendable performance from the Portuguese right-back. His cross to Christian Eriksen in the first half should have found the back of the net.
Raphel Varane – 6/10
It was a loose pass from the Frenchman which led to Saka’s goal. His performances in the previous two games were better but conceding one goal against high-flying Arsenal is not too bad.
Lisandro Martínez – 7/10
‘The Butcher’ displayed yet another gritty performance. He started the game poorly, giving away a needless free-kick.
However, he got back and defended for the rest of the game with full intensity and passion. Hopefully, his injury isn’t very serious.
Tyrell Malacia – 6/10
Malacia was at times troubled by Saka who played a crucial role in almost every attack for Arsenal. The left-back is still very young and will develop under Ten Hag’s guidance.
Scott McTominay – 8/10
Casemiro’s arrival at the Theatre of Dreams has pushed McTominay to perform better. The midfielder was vigilant and read the game well.
He ended the game with 100% pass accuracy, three clearances and two successful tackles. You cannot ask for more.
Christian Eriksen – 9/10
The 30-year-old played the role of an orchestrator to perfection. He dropped deep and played some great incisive passes. In fact, he made 16 final third passes.
This shows that his initial reaction is to move the ball forward whenever he has the opportunity. Ended the game with an assist, his first ever for the Red Devils.
Jadon Sancho – 6/10
It was a fairly quiet evening for the England international. He should have tested the right-back, Ben White, more frequently but failed to directly affect the game.
Bruno Fernandes – 9/10
The Portuguese midfielder had a great evening against Arsenal. He played an exquisite through ball into Rashford’s path who slotted it past Ramsdale. He also had an important role in United’s third goal when he fed Eriksen who picked up the assist for Rashford’s second goal.
Antony – 8/10
The Brazilian winger showed commitment and passion, something which was missing in the players last campaign. It took just 35 minutes for Antony to score a beautiful goal against Arsenal.
At times, his moves were too audacious but he will soon understand that there is a huge gulf between the Eredivisie and the Premier League. When United were out of ball possession, he made sure to track back and help out Dalot on the right flank.
Marcus Rashford – 9/10
The 24-year-old rolled back the years to 2016 when he made his Premier League debut against Arsenal. Similar to that day, he scored two goals to get all three points for United.
In six Premier League games this campaign, he has already bagged three goals and two assists. Ten Hag will be hoping that Rashford continues this red-hot form.
Substitutes
Cristiano Ronaldo – 6/10
Ronaldo came in at the hour mark to replace Antony. He twice found himself in the correct position but his teammates failed to play the final pass on time. He is yet to score a goal in this campaign. Hopefully, he will be able to break the deadlock in the midweek against Real Sociedad.
Casemiro – 6/10
It was Casemiro’s first game in front of the Red Devils fans. He gave the ball away cheaply once but helped United to win all three points with his vast experience.
Fred – 7/10
The Brazilian midfielder ran with all the energy after coming on for Sancho in the 67th minute. He made a big difference with his pressing, catching one of Ramsdale’s loose passes.
Unfortunately, Fernandes failed to chip the ball over the shot-stopper successfully.
Harry Maguire – 6/10
Earned a yellow card after one minute of his substitution to stop Arsenal’s attack.
