Arsenal 2-0 Man United: David De Gea disaster and Fred foul stain Red Devils player ratings

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    Arsenal inflicted a first Premier League defeat of caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United reign as Granit Xhaka’s swerving strike and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s penalty strengthened hopes of a top-four finish.

    Switzerland midfielder Xhaka tried his luck from 25-yards out – for the hosts’ only attempt on target in first half – at a windy Emirates Stadium in the 12th minute and was rewarded with a fourth Premier League goal of the campaign, although Spain No1 David De Gea’s footwork could be questioned.

    Attempts against the woodwork came at the other end from Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku and Brazil midfielder Fred. The Gunners made it 2-0, however, in the second half when the latter barged over France striker Alexandre Lacazette and Gabon front man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did the business from 12 yards.

    The result saw Unai Emery’s men usurp United into fourth place, the final Champions League spot.

    Here are the Red Devils player ratings:

    MAN UNITED (4-4-2)

    David De Gea 5: Performed miracles at Emirates Stadium last term, but befuddled by strong breeze this time. Not good enough.

    Ashley Young 6: Battled away on his flank, also covering inside in a three to keep up with Arsenal’s speedsters.

    Chris Smalling 7: Has now outsprinted Mbappe and Aubameyang in the same week. Didn’t deserve to lose.

    Victor Lindelof 5: A return to the shaky form of old for the much-improved Swede. Lacazette rattled him.

    Luke Shaw 7: Another positive display for the England left-back. Only negative was his mixed set-piece delivery.

    Diogo Dalot 5: A key protagonist from Paris showed flashes here. First-half cutback to Rashford was slightly under-hit.

    Fred 6: Undid plenty of positive work with a needless barge on Lacazette for the penalty. Composure is key.

    Nemanja Matic 6: Returning Serbia anchor man showed worth by helping edge midfield battle. Then tired.

    Paul Pogba 6: A match of fleeting moments of brilliance, including divine cross-field ball to Lukaku.

    Marcus Rashford 4: Decision making was all at sea. Shot when should have passed – and vice-versa.

    Romelu Lukaku 5: A trio of big chances came and went for the – previously – on-song Belgian. This swung match.

    BeFunky-collage

    SUBSTITUTES

    Anthony Martial 6: Back fit again, but thrown on when the damage was already done.

    Mason Greenwood N/A: Became United’s second-youngest Premier League debutant. Didn’t look overawed by occasion.

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