Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-2 at Old Trafford after going behind in bizarre circumstances.
Emile Smith-Rowe gave the Gunners the lead in the 13th minute after putting the ball into an empty net.
The goal came as Fred stood on David de Gea’s foot, following an Arsenal corner, and the Spaniard went down injured.
Referee Martin Atkinson didn’t blow his whistle to stop play before Smith-Rowe’s strike hit the back of the net and therefore the goal stood, as it was Fred who fouled his team mate.
Bruno Fernandes equalised in the 44th minute, following a good combination from Jadon Sancho and Fred.
Early in the second half Cristiano Ronaldo slotted home a Marcus Rashford cutback, to score his 800th career goal.
But three minutes later, Martin Odegaard scored with a similar finish to Ronaldo, to bring the scores level once again.
Following a challenge by Odegaard on Fred in the penalty area, which Atkinson gave a penalty for, following a VAR check, Ronaldo smashed the ball down the middle past Aaron Ramsdale, to make it 3-2.
Here are five things we learned from the Premier League clash….
Ralf in the house
Manchester United’s new interim manager Ralf Rangnick was at Old Trafford to watch his new side.
The 63-year-old was sat alongside John Murtough, the club’s football director, as Michael Carrick took control of his final game in caretaker charge.
The German coach will be under no illusions of the difficult task he faces getting this Manchester United side playing in a style that he is well-renowned for.
The Rangnick era will begin on Sunday, as we welcome Crystal Palace to the Theatre of Dreams.
Bruno back to his best
United’s number 18 got us level with his first goal in 16 games, and it was clear there was a mixture of relief and frustration in Fernandes’ celebration.
Our influential Portuguese playmaker was once again conjuring up his creative magic, on his 100th appearance for the club.
With Rangnick in attendance, Fernandes looked reinvigorated and produced an all-action, pressing and energetic display.
Before the clash against the Gunners, the 27-year-old spoke about Rangnick’s appointment.
801 and counting for Ronaldo
With his new manager watching on, Ronaldo showed that he still has the devastating goalscoring prowess, to be a huge asset in this Manchester United team.
Fresh after his great rival Lionel Messi won a record seventh Ballon d’Or, United’s number seven slotted home Rashford’s cutback to blow the roof off Old Trafford.
There was no question who was taking the penalty this time round. After Fernandes smashed his effort over the top of the bar against Aston Villa, it was Ronaldo’s turn to stake his claim.
With 801 career goals under his belt, Ronaldo will be hoping to get United back on track under the tutelage of Rangnick.
de Gea produces heroics yet again
De Gea was left in a heap by Fred for Arsenal’s opener and Smith-Rowe was left with an open goal to hit.
The Spaniard certainly made up for going down with the injury with flying saves to deny Gabriel and Pierre-Emerick Aubmaeyang.
United’s number one is back in the habit of making crucial saves at crucial times.
Carrick deserves credit
Things unravelled quickly following the hammering at Watford and the club was left with no choice but to part ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Carrick deserves credit for steadying the tide whilst the club interviewed and appointed Rangnick.
Three tough games against Villarreal, Chelsea and Arsenal have yielded seven points, Champions League last-16 qualification and some positivity.
Rangnick will be coming into a dressing room that is building some confidence once again.
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