PLAYER RATINGS: Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal

David De Gea – 7.5

Made a good save to stop Giroud scoring, but Arsenal didn’t really trouble him much. Unfortunately had to come off as a result of a knock on the hip. Hopefully not his last match at Old Trafford for United!

Antonio Valencia – 7

Played well; handled Sanchez capably on the right side. However, his crosses have to be better.

Chris Smalling – 8

First start as captain – was extremely solid at the back and marshalled his defence superbly.

Phil Jones – 6.5

Was clumsy to say the least, made a couple of errors, and needs to be better.

Marcos Rojo – 7.5

I really don’t know why Van Gaal took him off, as he was playing well. A good performance, but has to show more if he is playing left back.

Daley Blind – 7

Provided good cover in front of the defence but has improve his passing. Was unlucky not to score, having a goal-bound shot blocked by Smalling.

Ander Herrera – 8

Proficiently pressed the Arsenal midfield and defence, scored a sublime volley, and made some good passes and tackles. Overall, a very good game.

Marouane Fellaini – 7

Won aerial duels, but didn’t show much defensively and his performances need to improve as teams have found ways to contain him.

Juan Mata – 7

Made some good passes, showed great movement but just couldn’t deliver the final ball. Strongly believe he should take more free kicks.

Ashley Young – 9

Another great performance. Never thought I would be saying this a year back, but he is currently United’s best player. Destroyed Bellerin, provided the assist for the goal, and was generally flawless. He now has a cockiness and confidence about him befitting of a United player. He also helped defensively as well. With performances like these, Di Maria will have to wait.

Radamel Falcao – 7

Falcao put in a decent performance, creating a few chances, in probably his last game as a United player at Old Trafford (he signified this when he came off giving the old Trafford faithful a goodbye wave).

SUBSTITUTES

Victor Valdes – 6.5

An unexpected United debut for Valdes. Besides conceding a goal, which wasn’t his fault, he didn’t have much to do. I believe he will start the final game against Hull.

Tyler Blackett – 6

Did not do as well as Rojo – Walcott exposed him. Also scored the own goal, showing his inexperience.

Robin Van Persie – 6.5

Difficult to asses his game as he had very little time on the pitch. However, would like to see him start the next game.

MOTM: Ashley Young