Manchester United came close to securing a much-needed victory, only to be denied by Declan Rice’s equalizer and some crucial saves from David Raya in a tense encounter against Arsenal. With 11 players unavailable, United approached the match with a defensive mindset, looking to contain their opponents.
Bruno Fernandes put United ahead at the end of a lackluster first half, capitalizing on a free-kick opportunity. His strike benefited from questionable positioning by Raya, who left too much space at his left-hand post. Although the goalkeeper adjusted late, Fernandes’ effort still found the back of the net with relative ease.
Arsenal, coming off a dominant 7-1 Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven, struggled to bring the same attacking fluidity to Old Trafford. Their title challenge had already faded, and their focus appeared to be more on European competition. Despite dominating possession in the first half, they lacked precision in the final third, with misplaced passes and poorly timed runs undermining their efforts.
United’s defensive approach saw them sit deep in a 5-4-1 formation, limiting Arsenal’s attacking options. Martin Ødegaard tried to unlock the defense, making an early run into the box that led to Mikel Merino blasting a shot just past the post. Leandro Trossard also came close, flashing a shot wide after receiving a pass from Gabriel Magalhães. However, Arsenal’s overall attacking play remained ineffective.
The game opened up when Alejandro Garnacho was fouled by Trossard just outside the penalty area. Fernandes stepped up and took full advantage, giving United the lead with a well-placed strike past Raya. The home fans, already voicing their frustrations with club ownership, had something to cheer about.
After the break, United played with more purpose. Joshua Zirkzee, starting in place of Rasmus Højlund, showed his ability to hold up the ball, bringing teammates into play. One such move led to a chance for Noussair Mazraoui, whose volley was blocked by Raya’s outstretched leg. The goalkeeper was again called into action when Zirkzee redirected a deflected cross from Garnacho, but Raya’s reflexes kept Arsenal in the game.
Arsenal eventually found their breakthrough in the 70th minute. Jurrien Timber surged up the right flank and cut the ball back into the box, where Rice, given too much space, curled a brilliant shot into the far corner. It was a deserved equalizer, punishing United for failing to extend their lead when they had the chance.
The final minutes of the match were chaotic, with both teams pushing for a winner. Gabriel Martinelli, returning from injury, forced a save from André Onana, who also fumbled a late shot from Ødegaard. At the other end, United had golden opportunities to regain the lead. Højlund was played through by Casemiro but was thwarted by Rice’s crucial intervention. Gabriel also denied the Danish striker with a firm challenge.
In stoppage time, United nearly snatched victory. Garnacho and Mazraoui combined well to set up Fernandes in the box. His shot was partially blocked by Raya, who scrambled back to claw the ball off the line in dramatic fashion, securing a vital point for Arsenal. It was a game where United showed resilience but ultimately failed to claim all three points. Meanwhile, Arsenal, despite their struggles, managed to salvage a result, thanks to Rice’s strike and Raya’s key saves.
