MATCH PREVIEW
Manchester United hosts Arsenal tonight at Old Trafford with both teams trying to reach the top four positions.
The Red Devils announced Ralf Rangnick as their new interim manager until the end of the season. Rangnick however, can’t take charge of tonight’s game as his work visa hasn’t been approved, meaning Michael Carrick is in charge one last time.
Carrick has had good results since stepping in after United sacked former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a win against Villarreal in the Champions League, and managing to hold the current top of the league Chelsea to a 1-1 draw last Sunday.
That result has seen the Manchester club in 10th place before this game week 14 fixture, a win against old rivals could see Carrick’s side climb to sixth in his final game as a United manager.
Arsenal travel to Old Trafford this evening after a solid 2-0 victory over Newcastle United last Saturday, Arsenal do have some momentum as the win against the Magpies means they’ve had five wins from their last six games in all competitions.
A win at the Theatre of Dreams can see them claim the fourth-place spot and a return to European places.
Team news:
Cristiano Ronaldo looks to gain his place back in the squad tonight after caretaker boss Carrick dropped the Portuguese international for their last game against Chelsea.
Carrick was keen to play down the decision to leave Ronaldo out of the starting 11 saying in his pre-match conference: “These types of decisions get blown up a lot bigger than they probably are.”
Harry Maguire returns to the squad after completing his one-match ban whilst Luke Shaw is being monitored after he suffered a head injury that ruled him out of the last two games.
The home side will be missing Paul Pogba, Raphael Varane, and Edinson Cavani for the game against the North London side.
The Gunners will be hoping that Bukayo Saka will be available to play as he went off injured during the game against Newcastle. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “I am hopeful, but we don’t know.
The Londoners are also missing Granit Xhaka and Sead Kolasinac for tonight’s fixture.
How to watch:
Hopefully, we’ll see an entertaining and fierce battle between two old rivals as both push to get their clubs back into European football. The kick-off tonight is at 20:15 pm and is being shown live on Amazon Prime.
LIVE BLOG
Kick-off Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal:
The first half has kicked off here at Old Trafford between two of the league’s biggest teams.
01’
Attempt blocked! Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang right footed shot from the right of United’s box is blocked.
01’
Corner to Arsenal after Harry Maguire’s block.
02’
Attempt blocked! Marcus Rashford’s goal-line clearance denies Ben White’s attempt on goal. Corner taken by Martin Odegaard.
02’
Arsenal’s Corner! Conceded by Jordan Sancho.
04’
Bruno Fernandes fouled by Takehiro Tomiyasu in United’s half.
05’
The North Londoners have started strong, playing nice football at the back, and putting pressure on Manchester’s defence. 3 corners in 5 minutes. Can they keep this pressure up?
08’
Attempt saved! Diogo Dalot’s left-footed shot from outside the box is easily saved by English goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale who’s in great form currently.
08’
Manchester United have slowed down the game, keeping possession and stopping the away side from pressing.
10’
Attempt saved! David De Gea dives to the bottom right corner to save Aubameyang’s shot from the edge of the box. Assist via Emile Smith-Rowe.
10’
Rashford is fouled by Gabriel Magalhaes in defensive half.
11’
Attempt missed! Cristiano Ronaldo fluffs a shot from outside the box. He’s going to have to wait longer for his 800thgoal.
12’
Arsenal are soaking up the Red Devils pressure at the back well, spreading the ball around the back four.
13’
Attempt blocked! Gabriel Martinelli his header from the centre of the box was stopped by Victor Lindelof!
Arsenal are awarded with their 4th corner of the game inside 12 minutes!
13’
GOAL ARSENAL!!
One of the weirdest goals you’re going to see.
Odegarrd’s corner was headed clear of the box, the ball fell to Emile Smith-Rowe on the edge of the box who’s left-footed strike found the bottom left corner.
De Gea was lying down back towards play injured!!
Arsenal and majority of United players didn’t see the Spanish goalkeeper down on the floor and the referee didn’t see De Gea down injured, the whistle wasn’t blown until the goal was scored.
David De Gea is still down injured and is receiving medical attention.
Well, this is a difficult situation for referee Martin Atkinson…
By the law of the game, the goal surely must stand as play wasn’t stopped?
17’
VAR DECISION GOAL: Smith-Rowe’s goal stands, the referee must give the goal as contact on De Gea was from his own teammate Fred.
Personally, De Gea should have got up and defended his goal, you play to the whistle.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
19’
Attempt saved! Ronaldo’s right-footed attempt in the bottom left is smoothed by the Arsenal keeper.
19’
Offside, Arsenal’s Gabriel played a through ball to Aubameyang who was in an offside position.
24’
Manchester’s Alex Telles brings down Tomiyasu in Arsenal’s defensive half.
25’
The crowd at Old Trafford has clearly been affected by the Arsenal goal, it’s quiet!
27’
United corner, conceded by left-back Nuno Tavares.
28’
Attempt saved! Lindelöf’s header was straight down the middle, saved by Ramsdale. United have another corner, the home side is starting to get back into this game.
28’
Bruno Fernandes wins a free kick deep in Arsenal’s half after being brought down by Elneny.
30’
Attempt missed. Maguire’s right-footed shot from outside the box is too high. Maguire isn’t happy with the ball being used.
37’
Maguire has a second attempt on goal, this one bottom right corner. Easily dealt with by Ramsdale.
38’
Attempt missed! Martinelli’s shot from centre of the box was close but just veered right, assisted from Odegaard.
41’
Fred fouls Thomas Partey in United’s half.
42’
Attempt blocked. Partey’s shot from outside the box is blocked.
43’
Telles wins a foul in defensive half after being fouled by Odegaard.
44’
GOAL MANCHESTER UNITED!!
Fred surrounded by yellow shirts back heals the ball, Bruno Fernandes casually slots the ball into the back of the goal. A good way to mark his 100th appearance for the club!
Very well-worked goal from United!
Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal
45’
4+ minutes added time.
45 +1’
Yellow Card! Scott McTominay given a yellow for bad foul on Partey.
45 +1’
Attempt missed. Arsenal Martinelli’s header misses to the right, assisted from Odegaard.
45 +2’
Arsenal get a corner, conceded by Fred.
45 +4’
Attempt missed! Cristiano Ronaldo’s attempted overhead kick goes wide! If we must let anyone off for a cheeky attempt, it’s Ronaldo!
45 +5’
HALF-TIME
Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal
Eventful first half here in Manchester, both teams not scared of attacking! However, the main talking point will still be Smith-Rowe’s goal… very bizarre, the right decision from referee Atkinson. Can’t help but think De Gea should have got up and defended, clearly wasn’t a serious injury.
Second Half Kicks Off!!
46’
Corner to Arsenal, conceded by Maguire.
46’
Attempt saved! David De Gea makes a great save to deny Gabriel, assisted by Odegaard.
46’
Attempt missed. Elneny’s right-footed shot from outside the box goes left of the goal.
48’
Attempt Saved! Ronaldo’s effort is good, but Ramsdale saves, Assisted by Fernandes.
Both teams have come out the blocks so far this second half, great start!
48’
Jordon Sancho fouls Tomiyasu in Arsenal’s half.
49’
Maguire wins freekick in United’s half after being fouled by Gabriel.
50’
Attempt saved! Rashford’s right-footed shot from outside the box was good, Ramsdale did great to smoother it!
52’
GOAL MANCHESTER UNITED!!
Rashford placed a perfectly timed pass straight in the path of Cristiano Ronaldo who fired it into the bottom left corner.
Goal number 800, an amazing achievement!
Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal
54’
GOAL ARSENAL!!
Arteta’s side has found an equaliser after 3 minutes. Like United’s goal, Partey spreads the ball wide, Martinelli whips the ball into the box and Odegaard finds the bottom corner.
This game is shaping up to be one of the matches of the season so far, both teams really want this.
MANCHESTER UNITED 2-2 ARSENAL
56’
Rashford wins a free kick inside United’s half after being fouled by Mohamed Elneny.
59’
Free kick awarded to Gunners after Odegaard was fouled on the left wing by Fred.
65’
Attempt saved! Aubameyang’s right-footed shot easily dealt with.
65’
Attempt missed. Tavares header is over the bar!
68’
Penalty Manchester United!!
Martin Odegaard brings down Fred in the box and referee Atkinson points to the spot!
VAR awards penalty after checking decision.
70’
GOAL MANCHESTER UNITED!!
No doubt who was going to take it, Ronaldo steps up and rockets it straight down the middle of the goal!
801 career goals and counting!!
MANCHESTER UNITED 3-2 ARSENAL
70’
Substitution for Arsenal: Bukayo Saka replaces Emile Smith-Rowe
71’
Saka fouls Fred in defensive half.
73’
Harry Maguire fouls Odegaard in Man U’s half.
74’
Arsenal win corner, conceded by Lindelof.
75’
Handball against Ronaldo.
75’
Attempt saved! Aubameyang’s right-footed shot from outside the box is saved by the United goalkeeper (bottom right corner).
78’
Attempt missed. Martinelli’s right-footed shot from the centre of the box is left of the goal.
78’
Attempt saved. Aubameyang’s shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner, assisted via Martinelli.
79’
Substitutions-
Manchester United – Jessie Lingard replaces Rashford.
Arsenal – Alexandre Lacazette replaces Aubameyang, and Eddie Nketiah comes on for Odegaard.
83’
Cristiano Ronaldo fouls Gabriel on the halfway line.
85’
Attempt saved! Lingard shot from the left side of the box is saved.
87’
Attempt blocked. Saka’s shot from the right side of the box is blocked by Fred, Saka would have been better being 5 yards forwards.
Corner to Arsenal!
88’
Attempt blocked. Fernandes’s shot from the centre of the box is blocked, corner to United.
88’
Substitution for Man U, Anthony Martial replaces Ronaldo (Was awarded MOTM).
89’
Nketiah fouls McTominay in United’s defensive half.
90’
Substitution for Man U, Donny Van de Beek replaces Fernandes.
5+ minutes added time.
90 +1’
Arsenal are currently throwing everything they have in trying to get their third goal.
90 +3’
Partey fouls Martial in defensive half.
90 +4’
Lingard fouls Tomiyasu in Arsenal’s half.
90 +5’
FULL TIME
MANCHESTER UNITED 3-2 ARSENAL
MATCH REPORT
Cristiano Ronaldo surpasses 800 career goals as he scored twice helping Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-2 at Old Trafford.
This game was full of action and its fair share of controversy. Both English giants were desperate for the victory to keep them in contention for European places.
The controversy appeared on the 13th minute when Martin Odegaard’s corner was cleared to the edge of the box, Emile Smith-Rowe’s left-footed strike in the bottom corner went pass David De Gea who was lying down injured with his back against play!
VAR confirmed that De Gea was injured by his own player Fred.
As there wasn’t a foul committed on the United keeper, referee Martin Atkinson had no choice but the award the goal.
Ex-Premier League referee Mark Clatternburg called it a “Bizarre Goal” but said his former college, “Had no choice” but to award the goal.
This was Michael Carrick’s last game as interim manager of the Red Devils as new boss Ralf Rangnick’s work visa was granted earlier today.
It took his team 31 minutes to equalise against the north Londoners.
A clever backheel from Fred in a busy Arsenal box fell to Bruno Fernandes who calmly found the back of the net on his 100th appearance for the club.
In the 52nd minute, a perfectly waited Marcus Rashford pass found Cristiano Ronaldo in the centre of the box.
The Portuguese international then fired the ball past Ramsdale who couldn’t get down to his bottom right corner to deny the talisman from scoring his 800th career goal!
The Gunners however found a reply two minutes later when Gabriel Martinelli’s cross found Odegaard who was on hand to put Arsenal back on level terms.
However, it was the home side who had the final say in the 70th minute when Ronaldo converted a penalty after Odeegard brought down Fred in the Gunners box.
The Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was clearly disappointed with the result when speaking to Amazon Prime after the game.
He said: "It is what it is. If you concede three goals at Old Trafford, you make it very difficult to get a result.”
After the 3-2 victory, Michael Carrick was very happy with the win but confirmed that he will be leaving Manchester United after the game.
Carrick told Amazon Prime: "It's not been an easy decision to make to be honest, but I feel it's the right one and I feel quite happy.”
POST-EVENT QUOTE REPORT
Manchester United win over Arsenal, reaction to “Bizarre” first goal and next fixtures.
Man U’s 3-2 victory over Arsenal was a very well fought game which we haven’t seen between these two teams for a long time.
Michael Carrick who oversaw United for the last time as new interim boss Ralf Rangnick has now taken over the rains was very happy with the win of the North London side.
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the game,
Carrick said: “Today we got a great win, we can be satisfied because we beat Arsenal.”
Carrick also announced that he has decided to leave United.
He stated that it wasn’t something he’d done lightly: “It’s not an easy decision to make but I feel it’s the right one”.
Carrick was emotional about his decision, when asked about the controversial Smith-Rowe goal he was hesitant to give his view.
However, he did say: “If it was the winning goal, it would have been a different conversation altogether” but wasn’t too fussed as “We won the game.”
Referee Martin Atkinson made the correct decision in the eyes of the law stated ex-college Mark Clatternburg.
“I’ve never seen anything quite as extortionary as this, however, Martin Atkinson is powerless.”
Ally McCoist who was commentating on the game for Amazon Prime also agreed it was the correct decision: “The rules state that you have to give a goal”.
Bruno Fernandes was more critical of the goal: “Normally when the keeper goes down, we stop the game”, also hinting the Gunners should have stopped play: “Players make mistakes”.
The Gunners boss Mikel Arteta told Amazon Prime it was a weird goal, but it counted.
He said: I’ve never seen anything like that, but that is the decision from the referee and VAR, and it was a goal.”
Arteta was annoyed at the outcome of the game: “It is what it is. If you concede three goals at Old Trafford, you make it very difficult to get a result.”
Also saying that the loss was down to being “sloppy in possession” and questioning leadership saying: “Senior players have to lead.”
Arsenal will be looking to the next fixture against Everton to get back to winning ways as they haven’t won since late September.
However, the Gunners haven’t beaten Everton in their last two meetings.
United will be hoping to give their new boss Rangnick his first win when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
But just like Arsenal, they haven’t beaten their opponents in the last two times of meeting.
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