Man Utd v Arsenal LIVE: Result and final score after Rice and Fernandes score in dramatic draw
Arsenal failed to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford as their slim title hopes suffered again
Arsenal dropped two more points in the title race as they shared a 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Gunners dominated the first half but were made to pay for a lack of end product when Bruno Fernandes bent a free-kick home just before the break.
Declan Rice hit back in the 74th minute with a finish swept in off the post as Arsenal chased a comeback victory, but it was United who had the best opportunity as David Raya was required to make a crucial late stop to deny Fernandes the winner.
Follow all the reaction to Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal below.
Amorim: "For everyone in our club, it is a tough moment"
Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim said fans “have the right to protest” when speaking at his pre-match conference.
It is part of our club, and everybody has a voice - but my job is to improve the team and give them something in this moment because they deserve it and they're amazing.
“Any fixture in the Premier League is important. We need to win. The biggest problem is to not have all the players.,” he added.
Match facts
A damning stat here – United are yet to win consecutive league games this season, with this their longest wait for back-to-back league victories since 1968-69 (games 32 and 33).
Head-to-head
These two sides have met 205 times in the past, with United winning 86, Arsenal winning 71 and 48 ending as draws.
Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners at the Emirates in December, though United got their revenge in the FA Cup in January when they won on penalties.
United haven't beaten Arsenal in 90 minutes since September 2022.
‘Unbelievable’ Ethan Nwaneri dazzles for Arsenal to leave surprise question over future
Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri earned plenty of plaudits for his performance against PSV in midweek, with some making calls for him to be included in the upcoming England squad.
The 17-year-old scored his side’s second goal and was impressive throughout in the win, with teammate Mikel Merino calling him “an unbelievable player” after the match.
Nwaneri needs one goal to equal the record shared by Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney for the most for a Premier League club before a player turns 18 – his 18th birthday comes on 21 March.
‘Unbelievable’ Ethan Nwaneri dazzles for Arsenal to leave surprise question
Match facts
Manchester United have won 99 of their meetings with Arsenal in all competitions (D54 L90) – it’s the Gunners’ most defeats against an opponent, while the Red Devils have only beaten Aston Villa more (106).
United fans protest at Old Trafford
The Manchester United fans are revolting. In one respect, anyway. In a protest outside Old Trafford, chants have been directed at both the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe; a clear sign the new co-owner's honeymoon period is over as he carries on firing staff and United endure their worst season in half a century.
Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund has been dropped after going 19 games without a goal and Ruben Amorim has named what looks a very weak team. This is a great chance for Arsenal to record back-to-back wins at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s season may now depend on just one man
Life has certainly been tumultuous for Joshua Zirkzee since he arrived on British shores.
The young Dutchman was visibly buoyant after getting his dream move to Old Trafford as part of a young forward line that promised to inspire Manchester United to a brighter future. It seems somewhat remarkable that United’s summer transfer business, at the time, was widely regarded as a roaring success.
A goal on debut for Zirkzee, a fine finish to secure a late victory over Fulham, did little to temper any excitement. Talk after the match was just what role the 23-year-old was going to fulfil – he wasn’t a number nine or a No 10 but revelled in being described as a “9.5”.
Manchester United’s season may now depend on just one man
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta largely sticks with the team who thrashed PSV 7-1, unsurprisingly, but there is one change. Riccardo Calafiori replaces Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back, despite the young English defender being available again after suspension.
The Gunners are also boosted by the return of Gabriel Martinelli on the bench, giving them another option beyond Raheem Sterling later in the game.
Manchester United team news
Ruben Amorim has dropped Rasmus Hojlund, who hasn’t scored in his past 19 games. Alejandro Garnacho starts in one of the attacking roles alongside Bruno Fernandes supporting striker Joshua Zirkzee.
Victor Lindelof comes into the defence, with Harry Maguire injured. United fans will be pleased to see Chido Obi fit enough to be on the bench.
Man Utd vs Arsenal team news and line-ups
Manchester Utd XI: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Lindelof; Mazraoui, Eriksen, Casemiro, Dalot; Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee
Subs: Harrison, Mee, Amass, Collyer, Fletcher, Moorhouse, Obi, Hojlund
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
Subs: Neto, White, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Tierney, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Sterling, Martinelli.
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