Manchester United1-1 Arsenal: Match Report & Player Ratings as Declan Rice Salvages Draw for Gunners

Manchester United Hold Arsenal to a Draw at Old Trafford

Arsenal had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, despite dominating large periods of the match. Declan Rice’s second-half goal rescued a point for the Gunners after Bruno Fernandes had given United the lead with a brilliant first-half free-kick.

Although Mikel Arteta’s side controlled possession, they lacked efficiency in the final third, while David Raya’s outstanding saves kept Arsenal from suffering a defeat.

This result leaves Arsenal frustrated in their pursuit of the Premier League title, while Manchester United will take positives from their disciplined defensive display.

How the Game Unfolded

Arsenal Dominate Early but Lack Cutting Edge

The Gunners started strongly, asserting control over possession and territory. Their fluid passing saw them advance into dangerous areas, but breaking down United’s compact defense proved difficult.

• Mikel Merino had an early chance but dragged his effort wide of Andre Onana’s goal.
• Leandro Trossard then fired a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but it also missed the target.
• Martin Odegaard forced Onana into a comfortable save, but Arsenal lacked the clinical edge needed to capitalize on their dominance.

Despite their lack of clear-cut opportunities, Arsenal remained the more composed side, with United struggling to create any meaningful attacks in the opening 45 minutes.

Bruno Fernandes’ Stunning Free-Kick Breaks the Deadlock

While Arsenal looked in control, United took the lead against the run of play.

• Just before half-time, United won a free-kick in a dangerous position.
• Bruno Fernandes stepped up and curled a stunning effort past a helpless David Raya, sending Old Trafford into celebration.

Despite having minimal attacking threat throughout the first half, United went into the break with a crucial 1-0 lead.

Manchester United Grow in Confidence After the Restart

Encouraged by their lead, United came out stronger in the second half and looked more threatening in attack.

• Noussair Mazraoui nearly doubled the lead, forcing David Raya into a sensational save.
• Moments later, Joshua Zirkzee’s clever flick inside the box was smothered by Raya, keeping Arsenal in the contest.

United’s early second-half pressure could have secured all three points, but Raya’s heroics kept Arsenal’s hopes alive.

Declan Rice Rescues Arsenal with an Excellent Equalizer

Arsenal struggled to create clear chances, but Declan Rice’s quality shone through.

• Jurrien Timber displayed excellent footwork inside the box before laying it off to Rice.
• The England international produced a clinical finish to level the score at 1-1.

With the game now balanced, both sides pushed for a winner.

Bruno Fernandes Almost Wins It for United in Stoppage Time

In added time, Bruno Fernandes had the best chance to win the game for United.

• The Portuguese midfielder found space in the box, but David Raya denied him with another incredible save.

With that, the game ended 1-1, as neither side could find the decisive moment.

Manchester United Player Ratings (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

• GK: Andre Onana – 7.4/10
  • Made important saves but wasn’t overly tested.
• CB: Matthijs de Ligt – 7.1/10
  • Strong presence at the back, limited Arsenal’s attacking options.
• CB: Victor Lindelof – 6.9/10
  • Solid defensively but lacked progressive passing.
• CB: Leny Yoro – 6.9/10
  • Decent outing but struggled under Arsenal’s pressure.

Midfielders & Wing-Backs

• RWB: Noussair Mazraoui – 7.5/10
  • A lively attacking presence, almost scored.
• CM: Casemiro – 7.5/10
  • Controlled midfield battles with physicality.
• CM: Bruno Fernandes – 7.7/10
  • Scored a stunning free-kick and nearly won the game late on.
• LWB: Diogo Dalot – 7.1/10
  • Balanced performance defensively and offensively.

Forwards

• AM: Alejandro Garnacho – 7.2/10
  • Showed flashes of brilliance but lacked end product.
• AM: Christian Eriksen – 6.3/10
  • Struggled to influence the game.
• ST: Joshua Zirkzee – 6.1/10
  • Isolated for much of the game.

Substitutes

• Ayden Heaven (46’ for Yoro) – 6.7/10
• Toby Collyer (76’ for Eriksen) – 6.6/10
• Rasmus Højlund (76’ for Zirkzee) – 5.8/10

Arsenal Player Ratings (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

• GK: David Raya – 7.7/10
  • Made three crucial saves, including a late stop to deny Fernandes.
• RB: Jurrien Timber – 8.0/10
  • Assisted Rice’s goal and was solid defensively.
• CB: William Saliba – 7.5/10
  • Defended well, distributed the ball effectively.
• CB: Gabriel – 7.3/10
  • Commanding in duels but could have done better for Fernandes’ free-kick.
• LB: Riccardo Calafiori – 6.1/10
  • Struggled to impose himself.

Midfielders

• DM: Thomas Partey – 7.5/10
  • Kept Arsenal’s midfield ticking.
• CM: Martin Odegaard – 7.5/10
  • Creative but lacked a decisive impact.
• CM: Declan Rice – 8.3/10 ⭐ (Player of the Match)
  • Scored the crucial equalizer and dominated midfield.

Forwards

• RW: Ethan Nwaneri – 5.8/10
  • Ineffective before being substituted.
• ST: Mikel Merino – 5.9/10
  • Lacked sharpness in front of goal.
• LW: Leandro Trossard – 7.3/10
  • Lively but wasteful in key moments.

Substitutes

• Gabriel Martinelli (58’ for Nwaneri) – 6.2/10
• Myles Lewis-Skelly (56’ for Calafiori) – 6.4/10
• Kieran Tierney (71’ for Partey) – 6.1/10

Final Thoughts: A Fair Result?

While Arsenal dominated possession, United’s defensive discipline and Raya’s heroics ensured the game ended 1-1.

• Declan Rice’s performance was the standout as he salvaged a point for Arsenal.
• Bruno Fernandes was United’s key player, but his last-minute chance was denied.
• Both teams lacked a killer instinct, which resulted in the points being shared.

With this draw, Arsenal must regain their sharpness if they are to remain in the title race, while United will take confidence from their resilience.