Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes were back in training at Carrington following Manchester United's defeat to Arsenal that all but ended their hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League.
It has been a difficult week for Portuguese star Ronaldo, who missed the 4-0 loss to Liverpool to mourn the death of his newborn son. He returned for the crucial match against the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
However, it was Mikel Arteta's team who took control of the battle for the Champions League places with a 3-1 win.
Ronaldo scored his 22nd goal of the season on his return, reviving United's hopes after Nuno Tavares and Bukayo Saka had put Arsenal 2-0 up.
However, Ronaldo must regret allowing compatriot Fernandes take a second-half penalty with the game finely poised at 2-1.
Fernandes, who was United's regular penalty taker, came forward but hit the outside of the post from a staggered run-up. Arsenal went on to score again through Granit Xhaka, sealing victory.
Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United ratings
-
ARSENAL RATINGS: Aaron Ramsdale 7 – In one of his strangest performances of the season, Ramsdale looked poor for United’s opening goal, gave the ball away regularly and yet still pulled off three or four elite saves. Reuters -
Nuno Tavares 7 – Was positioned well for the opening goal but struggled with the pace of Elanga all day, and also showed a degree of laziness in giving away the penalty. AFP -
Gabriel Magalhaes 6 – Lost Ronaldo for United’s goal and was a bit suspect over the top but ultimately cut out a string of chances from the visitors. Getty -
Ben White 7 – Consistent with his decision making, great with his timing and an all-around classy defensive performance. AFP -
Cedric Soares 6 – Although he was slow and clumsy in possession, he did manage to disrupt Sancho on several occasions. Action Images -
Granit Xhaka 7 – After a commanding midfield performance with a sloppy yellow card throw in there for good measure, the Swiss star scored an absolute belter to seal the win. AP -
Mohamed Elneny 7 – In the absence of Partey, we saw Elneny thrive with an impressive midfield outing full of assured passing. EPA -
Emile Smith Rowe 5 – Was never really in the game and was frequently boxed out by Rangnick’s men. Reuters -
Martin Odegaard 8 – A Man of the Match display was defined by brilliant passing, strong composure and great imagination in front of goal. AP -
Bukayo Saka 8 – It was another top class showing from Saka as his link-up play was matched by a lovely finish to make it 2-0. Getty -
Eddie Nketiah 7 – Carried the ball really well, forced a few good saves, had great instincts in possession and held it up with ease. AFP -
SUBS: Gabriel Martinelli 6 – Held the ball up well and got around effectively enough given that he wasn’t on the pitch from the start. AFP -
Rob Holding N/A – Was emphatic upon being introduced and cleaned up every available loose ball that came his way. AFP -
Takehiro Tomiyasu N/A – Charged forward at every available opportunity during his brief cameo. AP -
MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: David de Gea 7 - Got his hand to the shot before the first goal. Important first half stops. Went the wrong way on Arsenal’s penalty. Conceded nine goals in the last three games, but he’s not the problem. EPA -
Alex Telles 4 - Crazy first half. Didn’t anticipate the ball correctly for Arsenal’s early opener. Overhit a 16th minute cross. Fouled to give a penalty away. Too many mistakes and such mistakes mean United are six points behind fourth with Champions League looking unlikely next season. PA -
Raphael Varane 5 - At fault for the first goal – and another early one as he didn’t clear the ball as it came over before Tavares’ strike. That set the mood for the game. Again. Needs a run in the team where he stays injury free. Getty -
Victor Lindelof 6 - Busy afternoon for the Swede – and for VAR. He wasn’t as bad as those around him, which is where the low bar is with Manchester United right now. Booked. AFP -
Diogo Dalot 5 - Poor defending yet much better attacking. Hit the crossbar and the post. Can be fantastic going forward but maddening when defending. Reuters -
Scott McTominay 6 - Sent a late ball to Ronaldo, which the Portuguese didn’t reach. Won United’s penalty. Away end sang his name after a couple of strong tackles. EPA -
Nemanja Matic 6 - Chosen with McTominay in a midfield Ralf Rangnick hoped would be more solid. Excellent cross for Ronaldo soon after Arsenal’s second which led to United’s only goal. Getty -
Bruno Fernandes 4 - Involved, but with little positive effect. Chipped a ball towards goal after 10. Gave the ball away before Arsenal’s third goal. Struck a penalty against the post. Booked. Bad day. Taken off for Mata. Needs to take his chances – and not just the penalties. Moans too much. Getty -
Anthony Elanga 6 - Lively. Went on long runs in some of United’s better moments, but the end product was weak from his best chance. An effort saw his shot turned around the post. Brought down but no penalty given in second half. AFP -
Jadon Sancho 7 - Troubled Cedric and saw a lot of the ball. Needed to do better against Arsenal’s full-back. Getty -
Cristiano Ronaldo 8 - United’s biggest threat in the first half. Shot over on 19. Scored an excellent goal to make it 1-2 after 34. Had a goal narrowly ruled offside. Booked near the end. PA -
SUBS: Marcus Rashford 5 - On for Matic after 77. At some point he has to find form again, but it’s hard when he’s only coming off the bench when United are losing. Which is most weeks. Reuters -
Jesse Lingard 5 - On for Elanga after 77. He’s counting down on his United career. PA -
Juan Mata 5 - On for Fernandes after 84 and limited impact as United slipped to yet another defeat. EPA
Sixth-placed United are six points from the Champions League places and could miss out on European football for only the second time since 1990.
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick said United could have changed the course of the match if Fernandes had not missed his penalty.
"Yes we have to take that, if you're 2-1 down and get a penalty ... it would have helped a lot if that was the equaliser and probably also changed the whole game, but it didn't and it only hit the post," Rangnick said.
The manager said he spoke to Ronaldo about his decision to hand penalty duties to Fernandes.
"He said he just didn't feel he should take it, that's why he said it would be better if Bruno took it," Rangnick said.
Despite Ronaldo scoring his 100th Premier League goal, it was another forgettable outing for United as Diogo Dalot twice hit the woodwork and the team failed to make their period of superiority count.
United next host Chelsea on Thursday, with their thoughts possibly moving on to the next season when Erik Ten Hag takes over as the new manager.
