After a horrendous display against Palace last time out, United hosted Arsenal as the visitors look to move top of the table, while United are facing down a record-low league finish. Not the perfect clash for Ten Hag’s side, and after just 20 minutes they were left chasing the game, which they couldn’t recover from. While the performance had glimpses of optimism, it really didn’t materialise into points which leaves United suffering 3 straight defeats against Arsenal in another record low.

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Teams

United’s defensive issues are easing slightly, however Evans and Casemiro against an impressive Arsenal attack didn’t scream optimism, with Amrabat and Mainoo being used in a more defensive setup, and limited threats in attack other than the youthful prospects of Amad-Garnacho-Hojlund.

For Arsenal, they looked much more impressive on paper, and aside from the injury to Saka which they will likely hope isn’t too serious, they look a dominant force in the run-in this season.

Manchester United: Onana, Dalot, Evans (Kambwala 75′), Casemiro, Wan-Bissaka (Forson 87′), Amrabat (Eriksen 87′), Mainoo, Garnacho, McTominay, Amad (Antony 70′), Hojlund (Wheatley 88′)

Subs: Bayindir, Ogunneye, Amass, Collyer

Arsenal: Raya, Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Saliba, White, Rice, Partey (Kiwior 90′), Odegaard (Jorginho 90′), Trossard (Martinelli 66′), Havertz, Saka (Jesus 82′)

Subs: Ramsdale, Zinchenko, Smith Rowe, Viera, Nketiah

Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

On a blustery afternoon at Old Trafford on 12 May 2024, Arsenal edged a tense encounter to maintain their grip on the Premier League title race, beating Manchester United 1–0 courtesy of a crisp 20th-minute finish from Leandro Trossard. The Belgian striker capitalised on a well-timed cutback from Kai Havertz to slot home from close range, punishing some sloppy United defending and giving the visitors the advantage. Despite United enjoying a fair share of possession and registering more attempts overall, the early goal proved decisive as rifle-shots on goal remained at a premium for the home side.

The match was characterised by its tight midfield battle and handful of half-chances for both teams. United’s Alejandro Garnacho carried the threat at times, testing Arsenal’s defence with bursts of pace and shooting over after some promising build-up play. However, Erik ten Hag’s men ultimately lacked the cutting edge needed to breach a well-organised Gunners backline marshalled by William Saliba and supported by a composed performance from goalkeeper David Raya. A late downpour did little to dampen Arsenal fans’ spirits as the visitors, showing composure under pressure, ground out the victory in difficult conditions.

For Arsenal, the result was another important three points in their bid to clinch a first Premier League title in over two decades, temporarily overtaking Manchester City at the summit. This 1–0 triumph marked a league double over United for the first time since the 2006–07 season and their third successive Premier League win against the Red Devils, feats not seen since the late 1990s. Meanwhile, United were left to rue missed opportunities as the season began to drift away with just one game remaining, while Mikel Arteta’s side proudly took a significant stride toward keeping their championship hopes alive.

Talking Points

Manchester United slumped to yet another disappointing defeat, this time falling 1–0 to Arsenal in a match that underlined many of the issues that have plagued their season. Despite periods of tidy possession and a spirited atmosphere at Old Trafford, United once again struggled to convert effort into cutting-edge quality. Defensive lapses and a lack of conviction in the final third meant they were always chasing the game after going behind, and the result further deepened the sense of a campaign that has drifted off course.

Arsenal’s victory, meanwhile, highlighted the stark gulf between the two clubs at this moment in time. Sitting at the top of the table and locked in a razor-tight title race, the Gunners exuded the organisation, confidence, and clarity of a side with everything to play for, qualities United currently lack. Their control in key moments, composure in possession, and defensive stability showed just how far Mikel Arteta’s team have progressed, while simultaneously underscoring how much ground United must make up if they are to re-establish themselves among the league’s elite.

One of the few bright sparks for United was the lively performance of Alejandro Garnacho, who once again provided moments of urgency and directness that troubled the Arsenal back line. His willingness to run at defenders, stretch the pitch, and inject pace into United’s attacks made him their most dangerous outlet throughout the match. Although the end product wasn’t enough to change the outcome, his energy and fearlessness offered a glimpse of the talent the team can build around, and a rare positive for supporters on an otherwise difficult afternoon.