Manchester United and Arsenal fought for a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes’ amazing first half of free kick canceled by a late declan rice strike.
Despite the early dominance of Arsenal, the hosts first hit the Run of Play, before the visitors finally broke through in the last phases to claim part of the points.
Arsenal started fiercely, controlled possession and held Manchester United in their own half.
The Gunners pressed high and dictated the pace, but their efforts could not translate into clear opportunities. Onana was largely with impunity in the opening changes, so that routine rescue was of efforts by Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino.
In the meantime, Manchester United struggled to find a foot on the ground, but remained defensive compact, often back to a backline of five men to absorb the pressure of Arsenal.
Their plan was clear: enjoy possession and quickly refers to the counter. However, they were largely not effective to the final moments of the first half.
Then, in the first half of the time, Arsenal surprised. Alejandro Garnacho won a free kick 25 meters from the goal after he was brought down by Leandro Trossard. Fernandes stepped up, who curled a sublime effort over the wall and outside the Raya reach in the net.
Somehow … the points are shared 😳⚖️#Murnc || #Munars
– Manchester United (@manutd) March 9, 2025
It was United’s first shot on goal and a moment of pure quality, so that they were sent during the break with an unexpected lead.
Paced by their goal, Manchester United started the second half with more intention. Garnacho turned out to be a lively presence, often recorded his full-back and forced Raya into action.
The Argentinian created a golden opportunity for Noussair Mazraoui, whose volley was held from a tight corner by the Arsenal goalkeeper.
Arsenal, however, slowly regained their grip on the game. They kept pushing ahead, forcing the gunners from a distance in speculative efforts. Odegaard came closest, a powerful attack that threw Onana Acrobatic over the bar.
The perseverance of the visitors finally paid off in the 74th minute. Jurrien Timber, who had been a constant threat to the right, dribbled past two defenders and cut the ball back to the edge of the box. Rice met it for the first time and hit a sweet hit shot that flew past Onana and in the post. The goal was no less than Arsenal earned, and it set up a tense last period.
In the last 15 minutes, both teams urge a winner. Garnacho donated the bar with a powerful strike, while Fernandes saw a targeted effort that was dramatically dramatically beaten by Raya in stopping. On the other hand, Martinelli Onana tested with a bright shot in the nearby pole, but the United keeper was the same.
In the end, neither of the parties could find a second goal and it was stalemate between two of the largest clubs in football.
