Cristiano Ronaldo hits new heights as Man Utd shrug off Var controversy to win classic against Arsenal
Sam Wallace
·18-min read
Manchester United vs Arsenal live: Score and latest updates from Premier League - REUTERS
Smith Rowe opens scoring in bizarre circumstances; Fernandes equalises before half-time
Ronaldo puts United ahead with 800th career goal
Odegaard levels for visitors; Ronaldo slots winner from penalty spot
For Ralf Rangnick, sitting on the back row of the Old Trafford directors’ box before his brief era of control is launched, there will have been no doubt as to why Manchester United have absolved Cristiano Ronaldo of all gegenpressing duties thus far in his long and glorious career.
This was a great night of football, made all the more dramatic for the chaos that engulfs United and the key part that Ronaldo plays in extricating his team with those moments of unerring goalscoring craft. United may fall apart at times, they may regroup, they may press, they may forget to press, but in a world of uncertainty at English football’s fallen empire there is something reassuring about the man who now has 801 career goals.
It is up to Rangnick to decide whether he can fix the rest without asking Ronaldo to chase lost causes. What is certain is that Ronaldo will not think there is anything much wrong with what he is delivering. His two goals took United to within three points of fourth-placed West Ham, and given that his side had fallen behind to the kind of calamity-goal one expects these days, that was no bad return. It could have gone badly for United when Emile Smith Rowe scored the first while David De Gea was down injured. Rangnick may take some encouragement from their durability this time.
He signed a few programmes and stopped for some pictures with fans at half-time when the game was still balanced. By the time he got to his car afterwards, the interim who preceded the interim was gone. Michael Carrick, who has presided over two wins and a draw since the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has now also left the club.
Carrick oversaw his last victory against a Mikel Arteta side who took the lead and, for periods of the first half, were much the more confident team. Yet they paid the price for not punishing United in those moments and the game swung again when Bruno Fernandes struck an equaliser. This Arsenal team are still young but the excuse is wearing a little thin. They were complicit in their own demise, not least in Martin Odegaard’s foul on Fred in the second half for the penalty from which Ronaldo won the game.
Manchester United vs Arsenal live: Score and latest updates from Premier League - SHUTTERSTOCK
Arteta was uncompromising afterwards, accusing his side of being “sloppy in possession”. “We gave the ball away when we had no pressure,” he said. “That gave them momentum and gave them structure. We gave the ball away and we made unforced errors. We didn’t manage situations well enough.” As for the performances of his senior players, including captain Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang, the Arsenal manager seemed in agreement that more was required. “The senior players have to lead,” he said, “and the young players have to follow”.
Arsenal’s first goal suggested a ringcraft not always obvious about Arteta’s players. In short, they scored when David De Gea was on the deck injured and they did so unapologetically. He had gone down as the ball was cleared by Harry Maguire as far as Mohamed Elneny on the edge of the area. Referee Martin Atkinson looked like he was about to whistle as he stepped out the ball’s way but something stopped him. Smith Rowe did not wait to learn what the problem was and took the ball on the half-volley, drilling it into the net.
There was immediate outrage among the United players but the longer the review went on with the Var Craig Pawson, the more they could see which way it was going. The damage to De Gea’s ankle had been done by his team-mate Fred and Arsenal were under no obligation to mitigate for the mistakes of that United midfielder. Although an argument can be made that the goalkeeper has a special kind of status. The game ceases to be the game as we know it when he is down injured. De Gea was not badly hurt, however, and it ultimately did not stop him continuing.
“A strange goal”, Carrick said later. “I’m just glad it was not the winner. You don’t see many goals given when the goalkeeper is down injured.”
It was a poor half from United, sprinkled with individual errors – a bad pass from Jadon Sancho, a heavy touch from Fred and attacking corners that did not clear the first defender. By the time they equalised, Arsenal should have scored again. Thomas Partey was proving overwhelming for Fred in midfield, and there had been a chance for Gabriel Martinelli.
There was the bad Fred and then later the good Fred, and it would be right to say that the latter won out. For all the errors that could be traced back to United’s Brazilian defensive midfielder, it was his pass, executed as he stumbled a little, and sent back at a sharp angle, that made Fernandes’ equaliser. It would be Fred who would later win the penalty that decided the game.
Manchester United's Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring their third goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Arsenal - AFP
The 800th senior goal of Ronaldo’s career was also his first in the Premier League since Oct 30. It was all in the movement, anticipating the cross from Marcus Rashford on the right and dropping into a pocket of space behind Ben White, all of which gave him plenty of time to stroke the ball into the far corner. United, brittle as ever, conceded within two minutes. This was a fine Arsenal goal – the switch from left to right, from Partey to Martinelli and cut back sweetly first time to Odegaard to sweep it into the far corner.
Fred won the penalty on 67 minutes, a foul by Odegaard unexpectedly overlooked by Atkinson given how clear it was. The referee only needed a few seconds by the Var monitor to give his decision. Ronaldo sent Aaron Ramsdale diving to his left as he drilled his penalty down the middle. The crowd expected nothing less, and for Rangnick up in the stands it was obvious who United have come to rely upon. Now the immediate future belongs to the German, and it will be up to him to make all those difficult decisions.
As it happened
10:50 PM
That's all folks
Thanks for joining us always. That was an entertaining game. United took advantage of Arsenal's hesitancy and took away three key points.
10:34 PM
James Ducker - Telegraph's Northern Football Correspondent
Credit to Carrick for the job he did in those three games: stopped the immediate rot & has given Rangnick something to work with. Four pts from Chelsea & Arsenal means they are now 3 pts off 4th - could have been a lot worse - and already into the CL knockout stages https://t.co/I8XGwHHsLi
My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career. When I first signed over 15 years ago, I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined winning so many trophies and I will certainly never forget the fantastic memories both as a player and as a member of the coaching team.
However, after a lot of thought and deliberation, I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave the club. I want to place on record my thanks to all of the players and a special mention goes to the backroom staff, working long hours with such a great group of people has been a real pleasure and I have made some long-lasting friendships.
Manchester United vs Arsenal live: Score and latest updates from Premier League - PA
10:30 PM
He just loves scoring goals
800 - Cristiano Ronaldo has scored the 800th goal of his professional career for club and country, scoring 129 of those for Man Utd (also 5 for Sporting, 450 Real Madrid, 101 Juventus, 115 Portugal). Remarkable. pic.twitter.com/kU7Z3zObAQ
Michael Carrick has decided to step down as First Team Coach and leave the club following the conclusion of his spell as caretaker manager.
More to follow...
10:11 PM
FULL TIME Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2
All over. Huge win for United. Arsenal and Arteta will be furious at how they let the match slip away.
10:10 PM
90+5 min: Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2
Arsenal gift possession to United and that might be it...
10:07 PM
90+2 min: Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2
Arsenal trying to create an opening but United are staying compact.
10:05 PM
90 min: Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2
Five minutes of stoppage time. Fernandes is the latest sub with Van de Beek coming on.
10:04 PM
89 min: Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2
Two goal Ronaldo is off, Martial comes on.
10:02 PM
87 min: Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2
Sensational block by Fred to deny Saka's goal bound shot. Eighth corner to Arsenal.
09:59 PM
84 min: Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2
Into the final 10 minutes. Arsenal pushing for an equaliser.
09:55 PM
79 min: Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2
Changes for both teams. Lingard comes on for Rashford. Nketiah and Lacazette for Aubameyang and Odegaard.
09:54 PM
77 min: Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2
Great save by De Gea from Aubameyang but he would have been offside.
09:51 PM
75 min: Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2
Great run by Martinelli. He bursts away from three men and slips in Aubameyang. But the Arsenal striker's shot is saved well by De Gea.
09:49 PM
73 min: Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2
Odegaard fouled in a dangerous position. He takes the free kick but it is headed away for a corner. The Norweigan takes it and United clear.
09:46 PM
70 min: Manchester United 3 Arsenal 2 GOAL RONALDO
Ronaldo smashes his shot straight down the middle. No chance for Ramsdale. Such a careless challenge by Odegaard.
09:44 PM
68 min: Manchester United 2 Arsenal 2
Odegaard brings down Fred. Referee waves it away. But Var tell Atkinson to look at it. Penalty given.
09:42 PM
65 min: Manchester United 2 Arsenal 2
Great pass over the top by White and Aubameyang races on to it. He takes the shot early and it is punched into the air by De Gea. From the rebound, Tavares heads wide.
09:40 PM
62 min: Manchester United 2 Arsenal 2
'Arsenal goal was right to be given - but they missed chance for terrific act of sportsmanship'
Ex referee Keith Hackett has his say on Arsenal's controversial opener here.
09:34 PM
58 min: Manchester United 2 Arsenal 2
This match has the feel of two drunk boxers, past their best, slugging it out.
But it's been entertaining for sure.
09:31 PM
54 min: Manchester United 2 Arsenal 2 GOAL ODEGAARD
Arsenal back level. Partey plays the ball out wide to Martinelli. The Brazilian pulls the back and Odegaard sidefoots into the corner. Game on.
09:28 PM
51 min: Manchester United 2 Arsenal 1 GOAL RONALDO
United take the lead. Tavares is caught up field. Dalot finds Rashford and he cuts the ball back to Ronaldo to score confidently. 800 goals for the Portuguese.
09:26 PM
50 min: Manchester United 1 Arsenal 1
Really lively start to the match. Rashford is the latest to have a shot at goal and Ramsdale saves again.
09:23 PM
47 min: Manchester United 1 Arsenal 1
Tremendous save by Ramsdale to deny Ronaldo. Partey has to defend that better.
09:22 PM
46 min: Manchester United 1 Arsenal 1
Brilliant save by De Gea from a Gabriel header.
09:21 PM
Second half: Manchester United 1 Arsenal 1
Back underway at Old Trafford!
09:06 PM
HALF TIME Manchester United 1 Arsenal 1
What a strange half. Arsenal took the lead through a strange goal by Smith Rowe. But Arsenal stopped playing, allowed United onto them and they paid the price with Fernandes equalising.
09:04 PM
45+3 min: Manchester United 1 Arsenal 1
Audacious attempt at an overhead kick by Ronaldo but it is well wide.
09:02 PM
45 min: Manchester United 1 Arsenal 1
Into four minutes of stoppage time.
09:00 PM
44 min: Manchester United 1 Arsenal 1 GOAL FERNANDES
Poor clearance by White. Sancho finds Fred, who cuts the ball back and Fernandes finishes coolly.
08:57 PM
41 min: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Partey takes it but the shot hits Aubameyang and flies wide. That was poor.
08:56 PM
40 min: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Free kick to Arsenal in a dangerous position. Partey and Fred battle for the loose ball and the United man commits the foul.
08:55 PM
38 min: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Chance for Arsenal. Delightful flick by Odegaard into the path of Martinelli. The Brazilian runs inside but doesn't catch it cleanly. Opportunity missed there.
08:53 PM
36 min: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Good save by Ramsdale from a Maguire shot from distance. United are trying to press Arsenal high and they are getting some joy.
08:49 PM
33 min: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal haven't played well since scoring. The ball isn't sticking with their attacking players and being careless in possession.
08:45 PM
30 min: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
2 - Emile Smith Rowe (21y, 127d) is now the second-youngest goal scorer for Arsenal in the Premier League at Old Trafford, after Nicolas Anelka in February 1999 (19y & 340d). Unusual. pic.twitter.com/KTnIkoitJs
Corner to United. Lindelof flicks on at the near post and Ramsdale is forced to tip over the bar.
08:39 PM
22 min: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
United starting to respond and come forward with a bit of threat. But Arsenal look dangerous on the break.
08:35 PM
18 min: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Never seen anything like that before. The United players are unhappy but goal was rightly given in my opinion.
08:32 PM
16 min: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1 GOAL SMITH ROWE
Atkinson is getting advice from Var. Goal given!
08:31 PM
13 min: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 0
An incredible moment here. Corner to Arsenal. The ball is cleared and Smith Rowe volleys into the net with De Gea down on the floor. Then referee blows the whistle.
De Gea was caught by Fred.
08:27 PM
11 min: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 0
Fred presses Partey into a mistake. He feeds Ronaldo the ball but the United striker shoots wide. Very wasteful.
08:26 PM
9 min: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 0
Lovely football by Arsenal. Smith Rowe spins away from his man and plays in Aubameyang. But the Arsenal striker's shot is comfortably saved by De Gea.
08:24 PM
7 min: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 0
First save of the match is made by Ramsdale. Dalot cuts inside onto his left foot but the shot is tame.
08:23 PM
6 min: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 0
Some possession for United but Arsenal's shape is very good.
What happened last season at Old Trafford between the two sides?
07:53 PM
Pre-match stats
Manchester United are winless in their last six Premier League meetings with Arsenal – they’ve never gone seven league games without a win against the Gunners before.
Following their 1-0 win at Old Trafford last season, Arsenal are looking to win consecutive away league games against Manchester United for the first time since February 1979.
Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three meetings with Manchester United in all competitions, as many as they had in their previous 13 against them. They’ve never kept a clean sheet in four consecutive games against the Red Devils before.
Manchester United have lost just two of their 14 Premier League matches on a Thursday (W8 D4), with those defeats coming at Middlesbrough in December 2002 (1-3) and at home to Liverpool in May last season (2-4).
Line ups from Old Trafford on the way. Some surprising selection decisions made...
07:08 PM
On the subject of Ronaldo...
Michael Carrick says a "myth" that Cristiano Ronaldo is not suited to a high-pressing style of play and backed the Portuguese forward to thrive under Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
He's played in enough teams over the years and been successful to play in a variety of ways.
He has kept scoring goals for every team he has played for and I am sure he will continue to score goals, no doubt about that. Players adapt anyway. You've got to have skills for different styles.
06:58 PM
Will this man return to the United starting XI?
Manchester United vs Arsenal live: Score and latest updates from Premier League - SHUTTERSTOCK
06:48 PM
Good evening
Hello and welcome to coverage of what was once the must-see Premier League match of the season - Manchester United and Arsenal.
After fighting each other for the league title when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in the managerial hot seat, both sides are now scrambling to keep up with Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Nevertheless, a win for Arsenal would take them into the top four, which would have been scarcely believable when they lost their opening three games of the season. For United, three points would move them up to sixth, two points behind their visitors to Old Trafford tonight.
We expect Ralf Rangnick to be in the directors' box this evening ahead of taking charge of his first game on Sunday. The German coach had been waiting to be granted a work permit after being named interim manager. It gives temporary manager Michael Carrick to finish his three-match stint on a high.
"I have had to certainly adapt and take on a new challenge and different kind of skill set and things that were maybe out of my comfort zone and I never had to tackle before," Carrick said in his pre-match press conference.
"I have kind of enjoyed seeing how I have coped with that at times... Sometimes you got to learn on the job and that has been the case, but I have to say, for the most part I have enjoyed it. You always have your own ideas.. . I'm always prepared to learn. I have learned an awful lot on the job this week, though I have been pretty close to seeing what goes on. It's been a step up but maybe not as much as people think."
Kick off at Old Trafford is in 90 minutes, so stick with us for all the build up, team news and latest updates.
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