With Ralf Rangnick in attendance, Cristiano Ronaldo did what he does best and secured yet another crucial three points for Manchester United.
Following a freak opening goal for Emile Smith-Rowe, United looked to be staring down the barrel once again.
But alongside an equaliser from his compatriot Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo scored his 800th and 801st career goals, to ensure United gained a vital 3-2 win.
Moments after the match, the club confirmed that Ronaldo’s former team mate, Michael Carrick, who had been in caretaker charge for the last three matches, would be leaving his role as first team coach with immediate effect.
Ronaldo will be hoping that Rangnick witnessed first-hand the qualities he still brings to this Manchester United side and that the German coach has to build around the great Portuguese.
After three Premier League games without a goal, his brace against Mikel Arteta’s side took him up to 12 goals for the season.
With Crystal Palace to come to Old Trafford on Sunday, Ronaldo and his team mates will be looking to kick on under Rangnick, following a good rebuild on the outgoing Carrick.
With a dead rubber to come against Young Boys in the week, Rangnick may earmark that game to rest Ronaldo, as the matches continue to come thick and fast, in the build up to the festive period.
Ronaldo’s goals against the Gunners nearly blew the roof off Old Trafford, as United won their first Premier League match at home, since the 36-year-old’s homecoming against Newcastle, back in September.
Reaction
Ronaldo’s goalscoring exploits, which proved to be our saviour once again, drew high praise from Manchester United fans on social media.
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