Manchester United rue missed opportunities in Arsenal draw

On a day when an abused supporter base painted their frustrations across the city, Manchester United and Arsenal took a share of the points in a 1-1 Premier League draw.

Despite desires to remove idle ownership, Old Trafford was a cathedral of noise ahead of kick-off, with an injury-plagued starting XI backed by an always-vocal 12th man.

Expectedly, the visitors dominated the early exchanges with a deep-lying red wall content to contain any attacking threat.

Nonetheless, despite having to remain structured and diligent in defence, United offered ample threat in transition, with the pace of Alejandro Garnacho a constant concern for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal probed for an opener, with Martin Odegaard looking the most likely to deliver the telling pass. But, as has often been the case, Bruno Fernandes sent the Theatre of Dreams into delirium in first-half stoppage time through and expertly struck free-kick.

The Londoners required the remarkable efforts of David Raya to maintain a one-goal deficit after the break.

He reacted impressively to deny the excellent Noussair Mazraoui after 55 minutes before stopping an exquisite Joshua Zirkzee backheel following a period of near-unplayable attacking threat from a confident Garnacho.

Inevitably, Arsenal equalised with 15 minutes remaining through Declan Rice, with the English midfielder powering an effort from the edge of the area after some fine work from Jurrien Timber.

Rasmus Hojlund entered in response, and the Dane squandered two opportunities to steal the headlines. Unfortunately, confidence has escaped the striker, and he looks like the shadow of the player who found his feet dramatically last season.

Regardless, Fernandes came within inches of sealing all three points with seconds remaining, but for the brilliant Raya to deliver a final double-save for his side.

Amorim will be encouraged by the display but will feel that three points were left behind as his wait for back-to-back domestic wins continues ahead of Thursday’s return leg against Real Sociedad.

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More frustration, but plenty of positives for Manchester United

Heading into the latest chapter of this historic rivalry, United had failed to register a home win against any of the top nine Premier League teams throughout 2024-25.

In contrast, Arteta’s men had not yet conceded defeat in the title race and travelled north following a 7-1 Champions League mauling against PSV Eindhoven.

Injuries to key first-team players have been a regular occurrence in Manchester in recent years, and today was no different with ten absentees.

Additionally, with Patrick Dorgu serving the second of a three-game domestic suspension, the former Sporting supremo had little room for innovation.

His concerns worsened at the break when Leny Yoro departed following a knock collected during the opening period. However, Ayden Heaven took his place for a Premier League debut against his former side and provided a glimpse of his undeniable talent with a memorable showing.

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Endless conversations regarding the suitability of this five-at-the-back philosophy will undoubtedly continue, but there was evidence of a belief within this group today.

The Old Trafford faithful deserve a return to the free-flowing attacking days of old, and Amorim will be the first to recognise this. But, his team displayed grit and determination for the jersey and will feel they did enough to claim a deserved victory.

Additionally, the result ends a run of four straight defeats against the Gunners with a second-half performance that will provide ample motivation ahead of a midweek European affair.

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