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A last minute goal from Marouane Fellaini assured Manchester United all three points and a guaranteed top-4 finish in the Premier League. Paul Pogba netted for the Reds after 16 minutes before former Red Henrik Mkhitaryan equalized on his return to Old Trafford, but Fellaini’s headed winner gave United the 2-1 victory over their famous rivals.
Victor Lindelöf had one of his best games in an United shirt, Pogba pulled strings in midfield once again and Ashley Young had a solid game as left-back.
David De Gea: 6
The Spaniard had no chance with Mkhitaryan’s leveler, the ball was expertly placed in the far left-corner, leaving De Gea rooted to the spot. A slightly routine game for the shot-stopper, he was never truly tested by Arsenal.
Antonio Valencia: 6
Coped well defensively but had little impact going forward. His eyes lit up as he attempted an ambitious volley late in the game, but the skipper smashed the ball into the Stretford End.
Chris Smalling: 6.5
A solid performance from Smalling who has seen multiple changes to his center-back partnering of late. He marshalled Lindelöf well throughout the game.
Victor Lindelöf: 7 (Man of the Match)
His reading of the game has dramatically improved as the season has progressed. Looked controlled on the ball and defensively he was very assured.
Ashley Young: 7
Provided much needed width, especially as United pushed for the winner in the later stages of the game. Delivered his trademark whipped cross for Fellaini’s header. Defensively he was more composed than in previous games. Good performance all around.
Nemanja Matić: 6.5
Helped United control the midfield for the majority of the game. Partnered well with Ander Herrera in the center, the big Serbian was his usual dominant self.
Ander Herrera: 6
Energetic and effective in the middle again. Herrera was all over the pitch throughout the game. One slip of concentration aided Arsenal’s equalizer, but still a good showing from Herrera.
Paul Pogba: 7
Pogba started the game explosively and was by far United’s best player. He was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time for his opening goal. Nevertheless, he continued to have more of an impact going forward. Faded somewhat in the second-half.
Jesse Lingard: 5.5
Struggled to emulate his impressive performance against Arsenal at the Emirates earlier in the season. Couldn’t influence the game and was substituted shortly after the hour mark.
Alexis Sanchez: 6
Sanchez almost grabbed a goal against his former side, but his effort was deflected onto the post impressively by Hector Bellerin. Didn’t seem to have a huge impact in the game, but offered an impressive level of heart, determination and intensity.
Romelu Lukaku: 6
Great delivery with his left foot that helped create United’s first goal. Held up play wasn’t as good as it needed to be and he was fairly ineffectual in front of goal. Picked up an injury shortly after half-time and was forced off the field.
Marcus Rashford (Sub, 50’): 5.5
Offered little when he came on as the number 9. Still begs the question if occupying a wider role is his better position.
Anthony Martial (Sub, 64’): 6.5
Gave United more dynamism in the game and looked to take the game to Arsenal with his fast footwork and explosive speed. Martial’s final pass lacked precision though.
Marouane Fellaini (Sub, 64’): 7
The Belgian’s presence was an essential addition to finding an alternative was of scoring. His height and ability in the air matched well with United’s improved wide service in the final moments of the game. He may not have known much about it, but his precisely placed header was impressive.
José Mourinho: 6.5
May have been frustrated with his side’s dynamism and willingness to win the game for large parts of the game. United seemed to cruise throughout the match until the final 10 minutes when they appeared to step up a couple of gears. Bringing on Martial and Fellaini was a good idea when they were chasing a winner.