United Beyond Manchester

Bruno Fernandes led Manchester United to a draw against second-place Arsenal on Sunday in a match that many expected the Reds to lose.

Starting Eleven

Andre Onana: 6 – Onana’s distribution was poor, but the Cameroonian had five saves. There was not much he could do about Rice’s strike, with the blame more on the midfielders who lost track of the Englishman.

Victor Lindelof: 6 – Lindelof did not look like a man who rarely plays in big matches, as he stepped up with Harry Maguire out. The Swede had ten clearances and was especially effective on Arsenal’s crosses due to his positioning.

Matthijs De Ligt: 6 – De Ligt was effective in the back again and seems to be growing more and more comfortable in Amorim’s setup. The Dutchman had six clearances and won five duels.

Leny Yoro: 7 – Yoro had a solid first half, completing four tackles and showing his quality in possession. Unfortunately, an injury forced him off at halftime, which will worry Ruben Amorim and United fans ahead of the critical visit from Real Sociedad on Thursday.

Noussair Mazraoui: 7 – Mazraoui was inches from what would have been the matchwinner, but David Raya’s trailing leg saved the effort. Overall, the Moroccan was excellent and was effective going forward, causing headaches for the left side of the Arsenal defense.

Christian Eriksen: 4 – Eriksen is most effective when his team has the ball and he can use his passing quality to break down defenses and create opportunities. Arsenal did not present that type of match, leaving many wondering how he fit into Amorim’s tactics and causing the Dane to look lost at times.

Casemiro: 7 – Nine tackles highlight Casemiro’s defensive impact in midfield. The Brazilian was everywhere and seized every opportunity to thwart the Gunners. His only mistake was critical, as he left too much space for Declan Rice to score the equalizer.

Diogo Dalot: 6 – Dalot, like Mazraoui, was effective going forward. He also contained an in-form Nwaneri well throughout the first half.

Alejandro Garnacho: 7 – Garnacho provided the spark that Manchester United needed. He was threatening whenever he picked the ball up and won the free kick that Bruno Fernandes scored to give United the lead.

Bruno Fernandes: 8 – When the Reds were struggling in the first half, Bruno stepped up and dispatched a stunning free-kick to send the fans into a frenzy. The only constant for United has been the play of the captain, who continues to lead the club when all seems lost.

Joshua Zirkzee: 5 – After scoring on Thursday, Zirkzee was given a chance to lead the line against Arsenal. The 23-year-old was less effective up front, though he nearly scored with a smart flick that David Raya was equal to.

Substitutes

Ayden Heaven: 7 – Heaven’s Premier League debut came against his former side, and he showed poise and swagger against them. A notable moment came when the 18-year-old won the ball off Gabriel Martinelli, drew a foul from the Brazilian, and turned to the United support to pump the crowd up.

Rasmus Hojlund: NR – Hojlund was dropped as Amorim adjusted his tactics. Expect the Dane to start on Thursday at Old Trafford.

Toby Collyer: NR – Collyer came off the bench for the second time in two matches. After Eriksen’s performance, the young midfielder should get more opportunities after returning from injury.

Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes