Manchester United 3-2 Arsenal: 5 hits and flops as Cristiano Ronaldo nets twice in Michael Carrick's final game in-charge | Premier League 2021-22

Cristiano Ronaldo produced yet more heroics for Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo produced yet more heroics for Manchester United

#3 Hit: Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal)

Emile Smith Rowe has now scored five league goals for Arsenal this season.
Emile Smith Rowe has now scored five league goals for Arsenal this season.

Arsenal's rising star Emile Smith Rowe added another feather to his cap with a fine goal to open the scoring against Manchester United last night.

The hosts failed to clear a set-piece which came back for the youngster. Smith Rowe volleyed an unstoppable screamer into the back of the net, with David de Gea down in a heap after clashing with Fred.

The goal wasn't initially given, as the goalkeeper appeared to have been fouled. But a VAR review confirmed it was by his own teammate and referee Martin Atkinson allowed the goal to stand.

It was Smith Rowe's fifth league goal of the season and arguably the best in terms of quality too. In the process, he also became the second-youngest away scorer at Old Trafford for the Gunners in nearly 23 years.


#2 Flop: Thomas Partey (Arsenal)

Thomas Partey enjoyed little success against Manchester United.
Thomas Partey enjoyed little success against Manchester United.

Thomas Partey has been making real strides this season, though consistency is still missing from his game. But last night, Partey was genuinely poor by all measures.

The Ghanian failed to get to grips with the match, looking sloppy in possession and making awry distributions of the ball. Partey was also dispossessed 14 times over the course of the match.

He was easily the worst midfielder on the pitch and on this evidence, the Gunners will hope to have Granit Xhaka back from his injury sooner rather than later.


#1 Hit: Fred (Manchester United)

The match against Arsenal was Fred's best of this season for Manchester United.
The match against Arsenal was Fred's best of this season for Manchester United.

Yes, he fouled De Gea in the build-up to Arsenal's opener, which meant he received plenty of deserved flak from the Manchester United fans. However, Fred improved massively going forward, even helping the Red Devils score two of their three goals.

The Brazilian assisted Fernandes and then won a penalty for Ronaldo after getting fouled inside the area by Odegaard. If that wasn't enough, Fred also made a vital block on Bukayo Saka to stop what could've been a late equalizer for the Gunners.

The midfielder has often flailed between sublime and ridiculous this season, but this was another reminder of his potential. Within the right system, Fred can shine in this Manchester United side.

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