Manchester United’s season continues to unravel after losing 3-1 to a lively Arsenal side at the Emirates in a frantic thriller. Ralf Rangnick’s men failed to provide a response after their abysmal 4-0 defeat to fierce rivals Liverpool, and while they did put in a better performance overall, the defence let them down yet again. Here are five things we learned.
VAR CONTROVERSY
United’s toughest opponent in that match was questionable refereeing decisions and bizarre VAR rulings. After conceding an early goal in the opening minutes, Jadon Sancho led the counterattack and crept into the opposition’s box, turning full-back Cedric Soares inside out before falling to the turf. On the tumble, Soares made a definite move towards the ball to flick it away. It was clear that Soares was more concerned about stopping the attack than bracing himself on his way down. However, referee Craig Pawson and his officials didn’t see it that way. This proved to be a crucial moment in the game as the momentum swung in favour of the home side who extended their lead to two shortly after.
The Gunners’ second goal was even more contentious after VAR ruled out Eddie Nketiah’s offside strike but then awarded a penalty due to a foul made by Alex Telles moments before the goal. Later in the game, the officials’ decisions were questionable again when Granit Xhaka’s firing shot in the 70th minute shouldn’t have stood as Nkeitah was standing in an offside position, directly in line with David De Gea.
While United certainly didn’t deliver a performance worthy of three points, I do wonder just how much these decisions changed the trajectory of the game.
DEFENSIVE RECORD
Rangnick made five changes to the backline in the hope that defensive mistakes won’t be the reason for United’s downfall once more. However, the defence looked as fragile as it has been all season.
The visitors afforded Arsenal plenty of space to play quick passes and make moves towards the edge of the 18-yard line as United were so static with nobody following runners. The Red Devils were so slow off the mark as Nuno Tavares tapped in a rebound three minutes to score the second quickest goal Arsenal have netted against United in the Premier League.
Watching Raphaël Varane and Alex Telles swiping at the ball and missing it completely was amateurish. United now hold one of the worst defensive records in the league having conceded a total of 51 goals this season, which is 10 more than relegation-threatened Burnley, among other lesser teams.
ONE MAN ATTACK
Where would United be without Cristiano Ronaldo in the team? It bewilders me that people are adamant that Ronaldo is partially responsible for the club’s demise.
Ronaldo netted his 100th Premier League goal of his storied career and while he certainly wasn’t expected to perform to his usual standard given the tragic events that have unfolded in his personal life, he showed he was a true professional.
Ronaldo is the leader of a one-man attack as in the last nine games, he has scored all the goals except for two and while it’s astonishing to see a 37-year-old continue to set records and become the fourth-highest goalscorer in the club’s history, it’s time for his teammates to step up.
BRUNO’S HIT & MISS
After United started the second half with a decent spell, Bruno Fernandes failed to equalise as his penalty was hit wide off the post. The one question that was on everyone’s mind when Fernandes stood over the ball was why isn’t his Portuguese compatriot Ronaldo taking it. However, Rangnick did point out afterwards that Ronaldo turned down the opportunity on his own accord.
While the spot-kick miss was incredibly disappointing considering Fernandes’ enviable success rate at converting penalties, what’s more alarming is that he had one of (if not) his worst performances this season. Constantly missing big chances, crumbling under pressure and putting in a challenge worthy of a red card is just as much a reflection of the current state of the club as it is of the player himself.
WORST SEASON PENDING
This United side continue to set records that shouldn’t be broken in one of the darkest periods of the club’s history. They need 10 points from the remaining four fixtures to match the 64 points they reached under David Moyes in the 2013/14 season. If they fail to do so, this season will officially go down as their worst Premier League finish in the club’s history. The defeat at the Emirates also marks the first time United have lost four conservative away games in the league since 1981.
Erik ten Hag may have the toughest job in world football as saying this club needs a rebuild and cultural reset is an understatement. Only time will only tell if he is capable of steadying the ship to instil some pride and success back into Old Trafford.