Manchester United played at Emirates against Arsenal, and the result was familiar to Man Utd fans. Going by the prediction, United lost by two goals. But, the result was 3-1 to Arsenal. The performance of the United team was lacklustre. Only one cutting-edge chance was created, and Garnacho scored with that, but eventually, it was ruled offside. At times, it looked like the game could go either way in the second half, but when Declan Rice scored for Arsenal, the game was done and dusted for United. The horrible away run continues for Man Utd.
Manchester United spending too much time on build-up
Yes, Manchester United bought Andre Onana to build up from the back. They were failing to do that with David de Gea. However, if you spend too much time building from the back and then, give the ball away, what is the use of building from the back? Man Utd players had no clue what to do after they built from the back. They struggled to feed their attackers. The only time they fed Rashford, he scored in the first half. However, the joy from United fans lasted for 110 seconds as Oddegard equalized for Arsenal after 35 seconds from the restart.
Manchester United’s midfield woes exposed yet again
Erik ten Hag wants to play a possession-based football just like Arsenal, Manchester City or Liverpool. But, for that, he needs to have a strong midfield that can hold the ball for a long time. Manchester United’s midfield doesn’t have that ability. Casemiro cannot play as the single-holding midfielder anymore. He needs Amrabat desperately. Eriksen provides the calmness in the midfield, and Fernandes is the creator. Ten Hag has some tough decisions to make before Man United play in their next game against Brighton at Old Trafford.
Manchester United lack depth in defence
Ten Hag wanted to sign a defender, and he got Jonny Evans because Manchester United failed to sell Harry Maguire. And, Evans and Maguire finished the game costing two goals for the team. Even Evans is faster than Maguire. Lindelof was taken off unknowingly because he was looking good. If he is injured along with Martinez, who also came off, United are in deep trouble because they don’t have depth in the defence.