Player Ratings: How United performed against Arsenal

Manchester United move back into the Premier League’s top 4 after a 2-1 victory over Arsenal.

It was a collision between Wojciech Szczesny and Kirean Gibbs that lead to the opening goal. Antonio Valencia’s lowly driven cross picked up a deflection off Gibbs before finding the net.

United captain Wayne Rooney put his two goals ahead before Oliver Giroud scored a consolation goal on his return from injury.

Manchester United

David de Gea – Called upon regularly in the first-half and made a brave save to prevent Jack Wilshere scoring from close distance. Distribution was the only let down but he had to deal with an inexperienced defensive unit. 8

Paddy McNair – Caught out of position at times but recovered brilliantly. Carried the ball forward very well. 6.5

Tyler Blackett – Not his best performance since coming into the first-team but did well with clearances and recovering from mishaps. 6

Chris Smalling – Big 90 minutes for the defender after coming in for scrutiny after the sending off versus City. Lead the way for those inexperienced around him. 7

Antonio Valencia – We know he’s just a makeshift right back at the moment but nobody could question his efforts. Played a key part in the opening goal. 7

Marouane Fellaini – Again, one of our better players. Up for the occasion and got stuck in when necessary. Found Di Maria in a good position out wide before Rooney’s goal. 7.5

Michael Carrick – Control. Control. Control. Rarely lost possession unlike a lot of his teammates. 7

Luke Shaw – Picked up an injury in the first-half. Unfair to make any judgement.

Wayne Rooney – Covered a lot of ground throughout the game and took his goal very well. 7

Angel Di Maria – Went missing at the start but once the Argentine came into the game he held the ball up well. Assisted Rooney’s goal but missed a huge chance which would have really put Arsenal away by choosing to chip the ball rather than place with power. 6

Robin van Persie – Passenger. Looked uninterested and offered nothing but a classy turn in the second-half. Needs to improve drastically before Falcao returns. 5.5

Subs

Ashley Young – Replaced Shaw in the first-half and put in an impressive shift. Had a big say in United’s opener. 7

James Wilson – Showed urgency by running at Arsenal, winning free kicks and getting back to give the defence a hand. 7

Darren Fletcher – Came on to secure the lead and try get ahold of possession, although he didn’t play very long. 6

Unused subs: Lindegaard, Herrera, Mata, Januzaj.

Man of the match goes to Dave. Surprise, surprise.

More Stories Angel Di Maria Antonio Valencia Arsenal Ashley Young Chris Smalling Darren Fletcher David de Gea James Wilson Luke Shaw Manchester United Marouane Fellaini Michael Carrick Paddy McNair Robin van Persie Tyler Blackett Wayne Rooney