Manchester United and Arsenal rekindled their rivalry at Old Trafford in an end-to-end game, which the Red Devils eventually won by three goals to two. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, reaching the 800-goal milestone in the process.
Ralf Rangnick watched Ronaldo and Co beat Arsenal 3-2. Work permit issues delayed the commencement of the German’s reign as the new Manchester United manager, meaning that for the third – and the last – time, Michael Carrick took charge of the first team.
Things couldn’t have started worse for the Englishman, as his side were down a goal after just 13 minutes – and a dubious one at that. Fred took David De Gea out by stepping on his foot during an Arsenal corner, and as the Spaniard writhed in pain down on the goal-line, the ball fell to Emile Smith-Rowe outside the box, who smashed a volley home.
A lengthy VAR check ensued, following which the goal was allowed to stand, much to the ire of the United players – and the majority of the fans present inside Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, Bruno Fernandes gave the Red Devils faithful something to cheer about when he equalized in the 44th minute. Again, Fred was heavily involved as he laid the ball on a plate for Fernandes to tap in from the centre of the box.
The Red Devils took the lead for the first time in the match, in the 52nd minute. After receiving the ball in his stride on the right wing, Marcus Rashford surged into the box and squared it to Ronaldo for a simple finish – his 800th career goal.
The Gunners responded just two minutes later – the goal was a carbon copy of the one Manchester United had scored at the other end. Gabriel Martinelli turned provider for Martin Odegaard, and the Norwegian picked his spot in the corner, out of De Gea’s reach.
Odegaard went from hero to zero when he fouled Fred inside the box in the 67th minute. VAR again was called into action, but the decision went against Arsenal this time. Ronaldo stepped up to the spot and smashed the ball home high and straight down the middle, giving Manchester United the lead for the second time in the match.
This time, however, the Red Devils managed to protect their advantage and secured all three points as a result.
