Player Ratings: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United unluckily drew 1-1 against Arsenal on Sunday after a thrilling match that came to life in the second-half.

The match was filled with drama even before kick-off, with plenty of United fans taking to the streets to voice their disapproval of the Glazers ownership, particularly in the way the club has become financially unstable and having a lack of direction. The protests continued at Old Trafford during the game, with fans chanting against the Glazers over the 90 minutes.

The opening stages of the match were relatively as one would expect, given the significant gap between the two sides in the league, with United dropping back, and Arsenal pushing forward. However, Arsenal barely threatened, and Andre Onana was barely worked during the first-half.

United took a shock lead right before the break, as Bruno Fernandes hit a delightful free-kick to fire his side in front with his fourth goal involvement in five games.

Following half-time, United came out firing, looking brighter than they did during the whole first-half. Ruben Amorim's side had a number of chances, including one from Noussair Mazraoui that was excellently saved by David Raya, and another falling to Rasmus Hojlund, who was not sharp enough to take a shot before Declan Rice tackled him.

Declan Rice got the equaliser midway through the second-half with a powerful strike that left Onana with no chance. However, United came very close to getting the win in stoppage time, when a shot from Fernandes was saved by Raya, before the Spaniard excellently denied the ball from going over the line at the second attempt to keep the score 1-1.

Here are our player ratings for the draw:

Andre Onana 6

He had a nervy first-half with his kicking often going out of play or putting his teammates in danger. He settled down after that and made a smart save from a Martin Odegaard shot, but will count himself lucky that Gabriel Martinelli was offside late on.

Victor Lindelof 6

Started his first Premier League game in almost a year, and he was understandably shaky on the ball. However, he dealt with most of the crosses delivered by Arsenal and while he seemed sluggish at times, he commanded the backline well.

Matthijs de Ligt 7

Solid throughout the match yet again. Made a number of full-bloodied challenges that helped keep the crowd on United's side. Quickly becoming United's best centre-back.

Leny Yoro 5

Suffered an injury early on and then another one towards the latter stages of the first-half. He was quite good when he was on the pitch, but he had to be subbed off for Ayden Heaven at half-time.

Noussair Mazraoui 8

Arguably United's best player on the day. A crucial part of United's rare flurries forward in the first-half, and was at his best in the second-half. Did very well to hold on to the ball on a number of occasions and came very close to doubling United's lead when he latched on to a cross from Diogo Dalot, but his effort was excellently saved by Raya. Almost set up a last-minute winner.

Casemiro 7

One of his better games in a United shirt of late. While he was often bypassed with Arsenal dominating the midfield, he was solid defensively and looked after the ball quite well.

Bruno Fernandes 7

Where would United be without him? Not the first time we have said this, but it was clear today. His wonderful free-kick got United in the game and he was in full control in the second-half. United's main source of creativity time and time again.

Diogo Dalot 5

A game of many highs and many lows for Dalot. In the first-half he frustrated the crowd by passing back when he had opportunities to cross, but he was otherwise very good defensively. There was an instance in the second-half that summed up his performance, as he won the ball with a clean tackle, before running it out of play with a loose touch. Crossed brilliantly to Mazraoui.

Christian Eriksen 5

Held on to the ball well in the first-half, but was practically non-existent with Arsenal playing around him. Looked tired and seemed to slow most of United's play down.

Alejandro Garnacho 7

Looked much more comfortable playing on the right rather than on the left, and he was United's main threat on the attack. Increased the pace of United's play and used the ball very well when compared to other games.

Joshua Zirkzee 5

Struggled to get into the game as United were very deep in the first-half. Held on to the ball well on occasions, but was constantly going down in the hopes of getting a free-kick. Came close to doubling United's lead but his flick was saved.

Substitutions

Ayden Heaven 7

Came on for Yoro at half-time against his former side for his Premier League debut, and he produced a solid and confident display. Could be a useful player with so many defenders out injured.

Toby Collyer 6

Brought on for Eriksen, and he put himself about during the 15 minutes he had. He was inches away from getting the winner from the rebound for Fernandes' shot.

Rasmus Hojlund 5

Actually came on and looked very bright, but he was not sharp enough to make the most of a chance that fell his way. It showed how low his confidence is, as any other striker that is on form would have took the shot on first time. Had another shot blocked by Gabriel.

Manager - Ruben Amorim: 7

Set the team up well, knowing Arsenal were the stronger of the two sides. The team held Arsenal well and were much, much better in the second-half. There were interchanges in play that showed why United appointed Amorim. His decision to play Garnacho on the right was worthwhile, with the youngster possessing a constant threat.

United's next game sees Real Sociedad come to Old Trafford for the second-leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie, with the score still 1-1. It is a game that could make or break United's season, with Amorim knowing how vital it is for United to go through.