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Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-2 to move into seventh in the Premier League table. The win leaves them just two points behind fifth-placed Arsenal.
Arsenal opened the scoring in the 14th minute of the game. This was one of the most bizarre goals one would have seen in recent times. David de Gea went to ground following a stamping from Fred. Capitalising on the situation, Emile Smith Rowe scored from outside the box. The goal stood despite protests from United players.
United got their equaliser on the cusp of half-time through Bruno Fernandes, who beat Aaron Ramsdale following some great work by Fred. Cristiano Ronaldo then put United into the lead following the restart, perfectly finishing off a low cross from Marcus Rashford.
Arsenal, though, responded within minutes. Gabriel Martinelli brilliantly set up Martin Odegaard for the Gunners' second of the night. With the scores level again, both sides started pushing for the winner.
Manchester United received a penalty close to the 70th-minute mark following an intervention by VAR, with Martin Odegaard getting punished for a poor challenge on Fred. Ronaldo blasted his spot-kick down the middle to bag all three points for his team.
It was United's first Premier League win in four games. On that note, here's a look at the five talking points from the game:
#5 Michael Carrick ends his stint as Manchester United's caretaker manager with win over Arsenal
Michael Carrick announced after the game that he would leave Manchester United. The Englishman was appointed caretaker manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking. Carrick oversaw the games against Villarreal, Chelsea and Arsenal.
The Englishman saw his side win 2-0 at Villarreal and 3-2 at home against Arsenal, while they drew 1-1 at Chelsea. Now that interim manager Ralf Rangnick's signing has been made official. Carrick believes it is the correct time to bid adieu to Manchester United. The 40-year-old leaves with his head held high.
#4 Bruno Fernandes scores on his 100th Manchester United appearance
Bruno Fernandes marked his 100th game for Manchester United with a goal against Arsenal. The Portuguese international had made his debut for The Red Devils in January 2020. Since then, he has become one of the key players for them. Fernandes has scored 45 goals and assisted 34 others for the club.
Fernandes scored Manchester United's first goal of the night to mark the special occasion. His goal turned the game on its head. After going down, United suddenly looked like believing that a victory was possible. They duly went on to win on the night.
#3 Abysmal defending by both Arsenal and Manchester United
Most fans needed some time digesting how Manchester United conceded their first goal of the game against Arsenal.
Goalkeeper David de Gea went to ground following a stamping from Fred. allowing Emile Smith Rowe to smash the ball into an empty net. Manchester United's defence was too compact at times, allowing Arsenal wingers to run riot.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, too, conceded silly goals. The visitors went into a frenzy whenever Manchester United closed towards their goal. They awarded Marcus Rashford acres of space on the wings, which allowed him time to look out for Ronaldo.
For United's third, Martin Odegaard put in a silly challenge to bring Fred down in the penalty box. The Norwegian was nowhere close to getting the ball, and, in turn, conceded a spot-kick to the hosts, which was comfortably converted by Ronaldo.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo scores landmark goal
Cristiano Ronaldo is inevitable. The Portuguese international scored a brace to ensure Manchester United bagged all three points on the night.
He kept pushing for a goal from the very start. The 36-year-old was rewarded for his persistence in the 52nd minute when he tucked away a low cross from Marcus Rashford. With that strike, he reached the landmark of 800 goals for club and country.
Ronaldo scored his second of the night from the penalty spot. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner smashed his effort down the centre, giving Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale no chance. It was his first Premier League brace since the opening day of the season.
#1 A new era beckons Manchester United
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick will take charge of Manchester United ahead of the game against Crystal Palace. The 63-year-old will take over from outgoing caretaker manager Michael Carrick.
The German tactician is renowned for his distinct gegenpressing philosophy, which has inspired the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Julian Nagelsmann, among others. It remains to be seen how United change their style of play under their new manager.
