Manchester United 3-1 Arsenal: Post-Match Player Ratings

Marcus Rashford - with his three goal involvements, along with Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen were among the star performers in Manchester United's fourth win on the bounce.

Manchester United 3-1 Arsenal: Post-Match Player Ratings
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
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By Dima Rebrov

Arsenal's perfect start to the season was ended by Man United on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford. The hosts were able to continue their revival and get their season well and truly back on track, with a 3-1 victory.

It didn't take long for new signing Antony to get his first goal for his new club. He gave United the lead after 35 minutes, after Marcus Rashford's assist provided the Brazilian with a big chance, which was calmly taken.

As it turned out, Rashford, with his first goal involvement, was only getting his afternoon started. He bagged a second-half brace, which followed Bukayo Saka's 60th minute equaliser. 

With this win, Man United move up to 5th place, just a point behind Brighton. A brilliant turnaround from Erik ten Hag's team, who faced major criticism after their opening two fixtures of the season.

This setback, while a disappointing one, still leaves Arsenal at the top of the table. They'll be looking to bounce back on Thursday and a home fixture against Everton gives them a good opportunity to do just that. 

Here are the player ratings from Old Trafford:

Manchester United

David de Gea - 6.5/10

Had only a couple of saves to make. Couldn't do much to prevent the Arsenal goal. Wasn't tested enough.

Diogo Dalot - 7/10

Put in a brilliant cross to create a chance for Christian Eriksen, early on in the game. Had the tough task of dealing with the in-form Gabriel Martinelli, did well to not give much away to the tricky Brazilian, although he seemed troubled at times. Seven combined defensive and aerial duels won.

Raphael Varane - 7.5/10

Completed five tackles and won an impressive six of his nine ground duels. Beginning to cement his place as United's leader in the back line. 

Lisandro Martinez - 7/10

Seemed more suited to be facing a striker of Gabriel Jesus' stature - who wouldn't be able to cause him too many issues, physically. Was a steady presence in defence and composed on the ball.

Tyrell Malacia - 6.5/10

A decent performance. One noticeable bit of poor defending saw him beaten by Bukayo Saka, with a pretty simple turn. However, was fairly assured throughout the 90 minutes.

Scott McTominay - 7/10

Managing to keep Casemiro out of the starting lineup for now. Completed all 25 of his attempted passes. Picked up a yellow card for a robust foul near the end of the game.  

Christian Eriksen - 8/10

Completed three key passes, including the assist for the final goal of the game. Could have got on the scoresheet himself, but put a tricky volley attempt over the bar with his left foot. A coup for United to pick up a player of his quality on a free transfer. 

Bruno Fernandes - 8/10

Fantastic through ball to Marcus Rashford, which led to the hosts swiftly responding to Arsenal's equaliser. Like Eriksen, three key passes completed and made a real difference today.

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Antony - 7.5/10

A 58 minute shift, in which the new signing was able to pick up his first goal, on debut. A composed finish, curling the ball past Aaron Ramsdale towards the far post was the highlight of a promising start. Should be an exciting addition to the Premier League.

Jadon Sancho - 6/10

Was slightly overshadowed by the good work of the players around him, didn't get as much attacking involvement. Taken off after 67 minutes. 

Marcus Rashford - 9/10

A decent start to the season for Rashford was topped off today, with him playing a part in all three goals. A well taken first goal, where he was provided a lot of space in behind the Arsenal defence and an easier tap-in for the second make him the man of the match. If he continues his form, Cristiano Ronaldo may further struggle to get back into this team. 

Substitutes

Cristiano Ronaldo (58') - 6.5/10

Not enough time to make a significant impact on the game. Won all three of his aerial duels, however. With United looking back in form, it will be interesting to see how and if he will force his way back into the best 11.

Fred (67') - N/A

Casemiro (80') - N/A

Harry Maguire (80') - N/A

Photo by Ash Donelon/<b><a  data-cke-saved-href='https://www.vavel.com/en/data/manchester-united' href='https://www.vavel.com/en/data/manchester-united'>Manchester United</a></b> via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Arsenal

Aaron Ramsdale - 6/10

Was put in a difficult situation for all three goals. Was unable to provide the heroics, which would have been required to keep them out. Shouldn't be highlighted as at fault for the poor defensive display.

Ben White - 5.5/10

Not directly at fault for the goals, but like the rest of the defence, shares a dose of responsibility for the three goals conceded. Also got forward at times, with limited impact. 

William Saliba - 5.5/10

Beaten by Rashford's great movement in behind him for the second United goal of the game. Although the gap between him and Gabriel made it difficult for the Frenchmen to deal with the issue. 

Gabriel Magalhaes - 5/10

Threw himself out to challenge Fernandes, was beaten and left a huge gap in the backline, which led to Antony's opener. Was later strolling through the middle of the park, as Eriksen wondered in behind the backline, to give Rashford a simple tap-in for the final goal. 

Oleksandr Zinchenko - 5.5/10

A composed presence on the ball and his role - different to that of a traditional full-back, adds a body in midfield when in possession. Defensively, however, it is liable to give his team issues, as was the case today. Didn't complete any defensive actions in his 74 minutes on the pitch.

Albert Sambi Lokonga - 5.5/10

Looked a player who wasn't ready for a difficult fixture like this. His 90% pass completion is fairly impressive, but didn't really have much in terms of a positive impact on the game.

Granit Xhaka - 6.5/10

Despite the result, had a fairly decent game. Created a few half-chances before and after the break. Was composed on the ball and fairly solid defensively. 

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Bukayo Saka - 7/10

Got his first goal of the season - a straightforward finish, after Martinez's tackle fell kindly for the winger inside the box. Had a decent game other than that, found himself in some good attacking positions.

Martin Ødegaard - 6.5/10

A 67% pass completion is fairly deceiving, as the Norwegian often attempted to play the riskier passes, looking to create some danger. Played a role in the Arsenal goal, with his ball to Gabriel Jesus subsequently dropping to Saka.

Gabriel Martinelli - 6/10

Had some bright moments, where he troubled Dalot down the left wing. However, unlike the first few games of this season, he was unable to provide the end product this time.

Gabriel Jesus - 7/10

Was a lively presence up top for the visitors. Battled well to force a chance leading to Saka's equaliser. Caused Martinez and Varane some issues. A good performance from the Brazilian, even without getting his name on the scoresheet. 

Substitutes

Eddie Nketiah (74') - N/A

Fabio Viera (74') - N/A

Emile Smith Rowe (74') - N/A

Takehiro Tomiyasu (80') - N/A