Arsenal dropped two more points in the title race as they shared a 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Gunners dominated the first half but were made to pay for a lack of end product when Bruno Fernandes bent a free-kick home just before the break.
Declan Rice hit back in the 74th minute with a finish swept in off the post as Arsenal chased a comeback victory, but it was United who had the best opportunity as David Raya was required to make a crucial late stop to deny Fernandes the winner.
Follow all the reaction to Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal below.
Manchester United vs Arsenal LIVE
- Manchester United hosted Arsenal in the Premier League | Live on Sky Sports Main Event
- Manchester Utd XI: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Lindelof; Mazraoui, Eriksen, Casemiro, Dalot; Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee
- Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
- Gabriel Martinelli makes return from injury and is named on Arsenal bench
- GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal (Fernandes, 45+3 min)
- GOAL! Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal (Rice, 74 min)
- Full-time: Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Manchester United FC 1 - 1 Arsenal FC
Bruno Fernandes’s one-man show leaves Arsenal’s title hopes dead and buried
Sunday 9 March 2025 20:06 , Chris WilsonThe chorus was about winning the league at Old Trafford. Not, it transpired, the latest manifestation of Manchester United’s Project 150but the vocal Arsenal fans, harking back to 2002. In 2025, however, it became still clearer at Old Trafford that the Gunners won’t win the league and why. With a 15-point deficit, it is only Arsenal themselves and Arne Slot who cannot admit it is over, a one-horse race after they were held by a one-man team. Bruno Fernandes gave United something they have often lacked at home this season – pride – and Arsenal the familiar feeling of disappointment.
“You are obligated to win every single match if you want a chance,” said a grim-faced Mikel Arteta. His abiding emotion was “frustration”. For many a year, a point at Old Trafford represented an achievement. Now it is a disappointment. Arsenal broke Champions League records by scoring seven away at PSV Eindhoven but their last three league games have yielded a lone goal and just two points. Neither tally is enough.
It felt scant consolation that it could have been worse. David Raya was perhaps both culpable and rescuer; he might have done better for Fernandes’ opener but he did superbly to deny the United captain an injury-time winner, springing to his feet after an initial save to claw the ball back when it threatened to spin over the line. The Spaniard had already had two redemptive moments in swift succession, making terrific saves from Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee, the latter attempting an audacious backheel flick. “The reality is David saved us,” added Arteta.
Up next
Sunday 9 March 2025 20:00 , Chris WilsonArsenal’s next match is a straightforward home tie in the Champions League last-16, with the Gunners 7-1 up on aggregate. That match kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday, 12 March. At the weekend, they place Chelsea at home on Sunday, 16 March.
United have a potentially season-ending last-16 Europa League match with Real Sociedad this Thursday, with that game starting at 8pm on Thursday, 13 March.
They then face Leicester away on 16 March in the league.
Pundits send warning to Arsenal after declaring title race over with draw to Man Utd
Sunday 9 March 2025 19:53 , Chris WilsonArsenal have been warned to look at the teams behind them in the race for top four, with the title seemingly out of reach for the Gunners this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United but could only earn a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford as they fell 15 points behind Liverpool in the title race.
After the match, Sky Sports pundits declared that the title race was effectively over, with Paul Merson saying that the Gunners should be concerned about the teams behind them in the table.
Pundits send warning to Arsenal after declaring title race over
Amorim reacts
Sunday 9 March 2025 19:45 , Chris WilsonUnited boss Ruben Amorim says that he thinks his side "did well” today.
“Of course we don't want to play like this defending so much and giving the ball to the opponent. With all the games and characteristics of the players. [Victor] Lindelof for example without a lot of games. Casemiro is more comfortable in this sort of game.
"It's the opponent. The last game before the Champions League was high pressure by PSV, man to man. they are harder to make in this way. We have some good players in the transition. [Alejandro] Garnacho made a really good game.
"It's normal. We try to keep the starting XI until the goal. When you suffer a goal, the players tire. We try to choose the best moments to press high.
"When you coach Manchester United, you cannot play too much like that. You have to try to win the game. I know it is frustrating for the fans sometimes. We have to deal with that and sometimes do things that are not popular."
On the fans' protests before the game, he adds: "This club will never die, that is clear. You feel it in the streets. This is a big business and maybe all the fans in this league sometimes feel it is harder to go to the games and pay for tickets. We want to give them a lot of effort. In the future, we will not play like that."
Eriksen reacts
Sunday 9 March 2025 19:30 , Chris WilsonManchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen says that his side “could have won” the game in the end.
“We tried to play on the counter as much as possible which was the game plan.
On Fernandes' free-kick, he says: "Very good, happy that the wall was a few metres away. You saw how far back they were and it was beneficial for us.
"We felt relief from the fans in the stadium after the goal."
On Rasmus Hojlund, he adds: "I am pretty confident that he will come good. He is a hard-working guy and he is unhappy when he doesn't score goals. But you can name about 10 other players in the team who don't score enough goals. He is a good kid, he will be fine."
Title race over?
Sunday 9 March 2025 19:15 , Chris WilsonOn Sky, the punditry panel seem to agree that the title race is done.
“Fifth are nearer to Arsenal than Arsenal are to first. I'd be saying they have to concentrate and make sure they get in the top four!” says Paul Merson.
"They are so far away. Liverpool would need to lose half their football matches and they have lost one all season. It is not going to happen. It is over,” he adds.
Arteta reacts
Sunday 9 March 2025 19:07 , Chris WilsonArsenal boss Mikel Arteta says his side “were exceptional” in the first half, but “we didn't test the keeper”
“We had some unbelievable situations but we didn't get the last shot or the last pass. We didn't capitalise, we rushed the game, we started to lose duels and we could have ended up losing it.
“The execution has to be in to the right player and the right player to shoot. How we conceded [chances] in certain moments was not acceptable. They have so much quality and they pick the right player and normally that would end in a goal.
"We opened the gate to lose the game. there was no chance to lose the game and we opened it ourselves. I will defend my players all the time but in those moments we have to do better,” he adds.
More from Rice
Sunday 9 March 2025 19:00 , Chris WilsonRice adds that he thinks that Arsenal “had some beautiful bits of play but didn't have that clinical cutting edge”.
"Then second half we have done things that we haven't done all season. We were very naive in the last 10 minutes. We could easily have handed the game to Man Utd because they have got that individual quality and threat.
"A bit of stupidity from us but good to get back in the game, to keep pushing. We had another chance with Martin in the end. It was an end-to-end game and probably a fair point in the end."
Rice reacts
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:55 , Chris WilsonDeclan Rice is first to speak to Sky after the game, and he says that “it felt like a couple of us jumped and some of us didn't” when conceding the free-kick.
“I've not seen it back. It felt like the ball flew over us at quite a low height so, from the wall's perspective, we could have done a lot better.
"The wall did feel far back. Even on our free-kick, when Martin took it, they felt far back as well, more than usual. But the referee makes that decision,” he added.
Liverpool do not play in the Premier League again until 2 April. If they win their next six league games (or win five and draw one) they will secure the title – if Arsenal don't drop any more points – with a victory over Chelsea in a game that is set for Saturday, 3 May.
Arne Slot's side could then play their first game as champions at home to Arsenal on 10 May.
FULL-TIME! Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:36 , Chris WilsonThat results means that Arsenal obviously stay in second, with 55 points – 15 below Liverpool, who have played a game more.
United are now in 14th with 34 points, behind Spurs on goal difference.
FULL-TIME! Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:30 , Richard JollyA dismal first half - until injury time, anyway - and a rather more eventful second. The result was probably about fair but a bad one for Arsenal and a decent one for United, given that they tend to lose at home to everyone who isn't in the relegation zone.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:29 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:27 , Chris WilsonThat is the final notable chance of the game as Arsenal’s last attack comes to nothing.
The points are shared at Old Trafford as the referee brings the game to an end.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:27 , Chris Wilson90 +4 min: What a save! It’s a golden chance for United.
Garnacho is isolated but he manages to find the pass into the box to Mazraoui. The Moroccan cuts it back to Fernandes in the box but he fires it straight at Raya! The ball comes off the ‘keeper and it bouncing towards the back of the net, but he runs back to claw it off the line!
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:25 , Chris Wilson90 +3 min: United hunt a winner of their own but the final ball is poor this time. Garnacho is having to do a lot on his own.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:24 , Chris Wilson90 +2 min: CLOSE! Was that the chance?!
Shouldn't matter anyway as he was offside, but a good chance for Arsenal.
They work it to Odegaard at the edge of the box and his low effort tests Onana, who spills it to Martinelli, but the Brazilian fires over.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:23 , Chris Wilson90 min: Good work from Collyer to dispossess Odegaard near the United area. The hosts counter and Garnacho does well to skip past a challenge but he fires well over when he probably should’ve passed.
There’ll be four minutes of added time.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:21 , Chris Wilson89 min: Garnacho produces a good run before trying to feed Fernandes but the Portuguese’s ball is poor. Martinelli tries to lead a counter but Heaven does well to slide in and avert the danger for now.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:20 , Chris Wilson88 min: Arsenal come again as they look for the three points they desperately need, but Martinelli is penalised for a handball. It’s tense at Old Trafford.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:19 , Chris Wilson87 min: Half a chance for Hojlund again as Mazraoui pounces on the loose ball before feeding Fernandes. The captain plays an instant pass to the overlapping Collyer, whose near-post cross almost finds Hojlund but is put behind for a corner. Good defending.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:17 , Chris Wilson85 min: A nightmare for Hojlund as his goalless run continues. Casemiro nicked the ball from Merino on the edge of the box and it ran to Hojlund, who was 1-v-1 with Raya, but Rice recovered brilliantly to slide in and win the ball before the striker could get the shot away.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:15 , Chris Wilson83 min: United finally get a brief break as Heaven heads the corner clear and Collyer and Fernandes combine to win the foul in midfield.
Fernandes goes ling with the ball forward but de Ligt can't manage to head it across goal.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:14 , Chris Wilson81 min: Arsenal’s spell of possession ends when Rice pokes a loose pass straight to Onana, but United can’t hold onto it for long as Hojlund loses it in midfield.
Arsenal counter and it’s hooked to Martinelli, who stings the palms of Onana with an effort at the near post.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:12 , Chris Wilson79 min: More possession for Arsenal as they look for a winner. They’re building patiently once again, and are happy to recycle it back to the defenders.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:10 , Chris Wilson77 min: Fernandes lifts in a free-kick that is headed straight at Raya, but United come again.
However, the chance ends with Fernandes picking up the one-two pass and firing an effort straight at Raya
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:09 , Richard JollyDeclan Rice's first Arsenal goal came against Manchester United. Now he has scored another against them.
Some hope for Arsenal, who weren't lacking effort but seemed short on ideas.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:08 , Chris Wilson76 min: Subs for both sides, as Arsenal change Kieran Tierney for Partey, while United bring on Toby Collyer and Rasmus Hojlund for Eriksen and Zirkzee.
GOAL! Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:07 , Chris Wilson74 min: GOAL! Arsenal are level.
It’s a great finish from Rice too.
It’s picked up on the right and laid off into the path of the England midfielder, who sweeps a low finish into the far corner via the post.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:06 , Chris Wilson73 min: VAR has checked the penalty and waved it away but Arsenal come again...
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:05 , Chris Wilson72 min: Another free-kick chance for Arsenal but this one is only a crossing chance.
Rice whips it in and it gets headed on before being cleared, and a wave of Arsenal hands go up claiming a penalty. Hard to tell from here.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:03 , Chris Wilson70 min: Odegaard lines up the set-piece and there’s plenty of remonstrating from United.
For the Fernandes goal, the wall was actually over 10 yards back, which of course helped the united captain score. The hosts seem to have learned that, and don’t want the same thing happening to them.
No matter anyway, as Odegaard’s free-kick hits the wall.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 18:0168 min: United are struggling to keep possession at the moment, and they haven’t really had an attack since that Zirkzee chance, and now they have to defend a dangerous free-kick as de Ligt brings down Lewis-Skelly. Not a lot of contact in that one, but it’s right on the edge of the ‘D’.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:57 , Chris Wilson65 min: Mikel Arteta certainly looks like he’s pondering what the solution could be for finding a goal today. It’s a difficult phenomenon to explain, but is probably down to more than simply the lack of a number nine.
The visitors win yet another corner thanks to Rice. It’s taken short and worked to Trossard but he drags it wide of the far post.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:54 , Chris Wilson62 min: A brief rest for the host as Gabriel fouls Mazraoui at the edge of the United box. At the other end, Zirkzee can’t stop his run from going out of play. Better from the hosts in attack so far, but the home fans will be worried about the pressure they’re trying to soak up.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:52 , Chris Wilson60 min: Almost a brilliant goal from Zirkzee as Garnacho’s cross is deflected right into his path. It’s slightly behind him so he has to try the backheel flick, but unfortunately for him it’s right at Raya.
At the other end, Martinelli’s cross forces de Ligt to concede a corner.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:51 , Chris Wilson59 min: Two subs for the Gunners as Gabriel Martinelli and Myles Lewis-Skelly come on for Nwaneri and Calafiori.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:49 , Chris Wilson57 min: More pressure from Arsenal as Odegaard tries to squeeze through a backheel to Trossard, but he didn’t get clean contact.
United have almost all of their men behind the ball at the moment.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:48 , Richard JollyA terrific save from David Raya but also a move that may show how Amorim wants his wing-back formation to work with one wing-back, Diogo Dalot, crossing to give another, Noussair Mazraoui, a golden chance.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:47 , Chris Wilson54 min: CLOSE!
A great counter from United as Zirkzee frees Dalot down the left. He looks up and sees Mazraoui making the run on the opposite wing and pings a perfect ball across the box, but Raya makes a great save as he diverts the Moroccan’s shot past the far post!
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:45 , Chris Wilson53 min: More pressure from Arsenal as Lindelof heads Nwaneri’s cross for a corner. Zirkzee manages to hook this one clear, but United won’t be able to keep absorbing pressure like this all game.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:43 , Chris Wilson51 min: Not far off from Odegaard as the short corner comes in and he curls an effort that forces Onana to tip it over.
From the follow-up, Rice volleys well over from a well-worked routine.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:42 , Chris Wilson49 min: A typical Dalot scenario as he does brilliantly to dispossess Nwaneri before just dribbling it straight out of play.
Arsenal come again and Odegaard’s teasing cross is headed behind at the back post by Mazraoui.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:40 , Chris Wilson47 min: Good play from United as Mazraoui and Garnacho combine to release the latter in the box, but Timber does well to stop the cross reaching Zirkzee.
KICK-OFF! Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:38 , Chris WilsonThe second half is underway in Manchester. It is indeed Yoro who makes way for Heaven.
HALF-TIME! Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:37 , Chris WilsonIt looks like Ayden Heaven is being prepped to make his Premier League debut. Leny Yoro was limping somewhat at the end of the first half.
We’re almost back underway at Old Trafford.
HALF-TIME! Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:32 , Chris WilsonNot a great half for the neutral at Old Trafford, but United find themselves ahead at the break almost unbelievably.
The hosts offered little to no threat in the opening 45 mintutes, but all they needed was a brilliant Fernandes free-kick to go ahead.
Arsenal dominated in almost every aspect but their attacking play was simply too pedestrian – they’ll need to inject some pace in the second half, so expect to see Martinelli at some point.
HALF-TIME! Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:27 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:22 , Chris Wilson45 +4 min: That was United’s first shot on target, and they find themselves with an undeserved lead.
Arsenal try and get back into it before the break as Nwaneri’s cross is put behind for a corner. The set-piece is headed away and the whistle goes before Fernandes can thread through a pass to a counter-attacking Garnacho.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:20 , Richard JollyUnited had no attacking threat until then, but they lead. Proof that, no matter who else has been found wanting at Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes is still delivering.
United's player of the year award should be a one-man contest: Bruno against Bruno.
GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:19 , Chris Wilson45 +3 min: GOAL!
What a hit from Fernandes!
The United captain lines up the free-kick and curls it over the wall, beating Raya at the far post! No chance for the ‘keeper.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:18 , Chris Wilson45 min: Play is back underway and Arsenal make a mess in possession, allowing Garnacho to nip in and break towards the box.
Trossard is forced to take him down near the edge of the area, and the Belgian is booked.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:15 , Chris Wilson43 min: A break in play here as Zirkzee is receiving treatment. Both managers are giving their players instructions on the sidelines.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:13 , Chris Wilson40 min: A strange game so far overall. As in the game against Forest, it’s clear that the Gunners are lacking presence – and maybe ability – in attack at the moment.
They need a touch more quality to put the finishing touches on their dominance, as was illustrated by Merino’s chance earlier.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:10 , Chris Wilson38 min: Another Arsenal attack breaks down as Rice’s ball has too much on it. Mikel Arteta looks frustrated on the touchline.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:07 , Chris Wilson35 min: Better from Arsenal as Odegaard lifts a chipped pass over the United defence, but Trossard can’t bring it down in front of Onana.
The visitors come again after Lindelof gives it away cheaply near halfway but Odegaard’s effort from distance is blocked.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:06 , Chris Wilson34 min: Almost a great opening for United as Fernandes receives the return pass from Eriksen and looks to slide in Zirkzee, but it’s intercepted. It might have been the wrong idea, with Garnacho making a great run on the opposite side.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:04 , Chris Wilson31 min: 68 per cent possession for the visitors but just three shots so far, and only one on target.
Make that four shots, as Trossard takes a brilliant touch on the edge of the area with the inside of his heel but can only curl an effort wide.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 17:02 , Chris Wilson28 min: Another corner for Arsenal but it’s not as good a delivery, and Onana collects – but then proceeds to clear straight to Saliba.
Timber gets into a great position in the box but his touch is a little loose and he concedes a free-kick.
Not a great deal going on at Old Trafford, but Arsenal are clearly on top.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:59 , Richard JollyAlmost half an hour gone and Arsenal haven't really had a clearcut chance, with Mikel Merino's shot the nearest. This can be the sort of game they struggle to win, when they have a lot of possession but need to show a cutting edge; although that, in turn, reflects the way they are now favourites to win at Old Trafford.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:5724 min: United get forward and Garnacho is held up by Calafiori in the box, so he goes backwards to Mazraoui. The Moroccan fires a decent cross towards the back post but it’s just too high for Zirkzee.
Moments later, there’s a break in play as Merino and de Ligt collide after Mazraoui had won the ball.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:55 , Chris Wilson22 min: Arsenal are playing patiently so far, with Odegaard the man looking to inject some pace into their attack. It’s a little static at the moment.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:51 , Chris Wilson19 min: Odegaard decides to have a go from distance, just outside the area, but it’s straight at Onana.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:50 , Chris Wilson17 min: A dangerous corner from Rice is punched clear by Onana, but the visitors come again.
United eventually win it back via Casemiro, but Mazraoui’s cross is blocked easily once they get up the pitch.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:47 , Chris Wilson14 min: Better from United as Yoro wins the ball in his own half and moves it on to Fernandes. The Portuguese spots Garnacho’s run and feeds a decent through ball, but the winger’s shot is dragged wide.
Arsenal back in possession and they’re taking their time at the moment.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:45 , Chris Wilson12 min: United get forward with purpose for the first time in the half and it’s led by Garnacho, but the chance goes begging as Mazraoui handles the ball in the area.
Fans making a noise
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:43 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordTwo fanbases in loud voice so far, albeit for different reasons. The United fans have chorused "stand up if you hate Glazers" and, as they did, there were a few gestures made in the direction of the directors' box. The Arsenal supporters are buoyant, with the confidence they will get a win at a ground where they have had some tough experiences over the years. United have had a couple of panicky moments at the back already.
And now the Arsenal fans are singing "we want Glazers in"...
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:42 , Lawrence Ostlere10 min: Huge chance! Odegaard and Rice play a smart one-two before Yoro challenges, and the ball bobbles into the path of Mikel Merino. The Spaniard gets it on to his left foot, maybe 15 yards out, but fires the shot wide of the near post. He really should have hit the target.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:40 , Lawrence Ostlere8 min: A smart move from Arsenal, which ends with Odegaard chipping a ball on to Rice’s chest as the midfield runs into the box, but he’s crowded out by United defenders while trying to bring it down.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:38 , Lawrence Ostlere6 min: Eriksen delivers a free-kick from near his own halfway line towards Yoro arriving in the box, but the ball bounces just beyond the Manchester United defender and out for an Arsenal goal-kick.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:35 , Lawrence Ostlere4 min: Merino drops deep, turns and tries to chip a pass to Declan Rice bursting into the box, but it’s just overhit.
A moment later United get in a bit of a muddle trying to pass out from the back, and Onana needs to jump on the ball in order to stop Merino from getting a free shot in the area.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:33 , Lawrence Ostlere2 min: Arsenal start brightly, working the ball neatly all the way up the pitch from Raya to Timber in the box, whose headed pass towards Odegaard is intercepted and cleared for a throw to the visitors.
Kick-off! Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:31 , Lawrence OstlereThe game is underway at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are wearing red shirts, white shorts and black socks; Arsenal are in bright blue shirts, dark blue shorts and bright blue socks.
Man Utd v Arsenal
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:28 , Lawrence OstlereThe players are out on the pitch in fetching warm-up jackets, and they line up facing the dugouts before kick-off. Handshakes ensue.
Fans march on Old Trafford
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:23 , Lawrence OstlereThousands of Manchester United supporters marched on Old Trafford wearing black as they protested against the Glazer family’s ownership of the club:
Thousands of Man Utd fans dressed in black protest against Glazer ownership
Amorim: "For everyone in our club, it is a tough moment"
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:20 , Chris WilsonMan Utd boss Ruben Amorim said fans “have the right to protest” when speaking at his pre-match conference.
It is part of our club, and everybody has a voice - but my job is to improve the team and give them something in this moment because they deserve it and they're amazing.
“Any fixture in the Premier League is important. We need to win. The biggest problem is to not have all the players.,” he added.
Match facts
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:15 , Chris WilsonA damning stat here – United are yet to win consecutive league games this season, with this their longest wait for back-to-back league victories since 1968-69 (games 32 and 33).
Head-to-head
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:10 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met 205 times in the past, with United winning 86, Arsenal winning 71 and 48 ending as draws.
Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners at the Emirates in December, though United got their revenge in the FA Cup in January when they won on penalties.
United haven't beaten Arsenal in 90 minutes since September 2022.
‘Unbelievable’ Ethan Nwaneri dazzles for Arsenal to leave surprise question over future
Sunday 9 March 2025 16:00 , Chris WilsonArsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri earned plenty of plaudits for his performance against PSV in midweek, with some making calls for him to be included in the upcoming England squad.
The 17-year-old scored his side’s second goal and was impressive throughout in the win, with teammate Mikel Merino calling him “an unbelievable player” after the match.
Nwaneri needs one goal to equal the record shared by Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney for the most for a Premier League club before a player turns 18 – his 18th birthday comes on 21 March.
‘Unbelievable’ Ethan Nwaneri dazzles for Arsenal to leave surprise question
Match facts
Sunday 9 March 2025 15:45 , Chris WilsonManchester United have won 99 of their meetings with Arsenal in all competitions (D54 L90) – it’s the Gunners’ most defeats against an opponent, while the Red Devils have only beaten Aston Villa more (106).
United fans protest at Old Trafford
Sunday 9 March 2025 15:38 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordThe Manchester United fans are revolting. In one respect, anyway. In a protest outside Old Trafford, chants have been directed at both the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe; a clear sign the new co-owner's honeymoon period is over as he carries on firing staff and United endure their worst season in half a century.
Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund has been dropped after going 19 games without a goal and Ruben Amorim has named what looks a very weak team. This is a great chance for Arsenal to record back-to-back wins at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s season may now depend on just one man
Sunday 9 March 2025 15:35 , Chris WilsonLife has certainly been tumultuous for Joshua Zirkzee since he arrived on British shores.
The young Dutchman was visibly buoyant after getting his dream move to Old Trafford as part of a young forward line that promised to inspire Manchester United to a brighter future. It seems somewhat remarkable that United’s summer transfer business, at the time, was widely regarded as a roaring success.
A goal on debut for Zirkzee, a fine finish to secure a late victory over Fulham, did little to temper any excitement. Talk after the match was just what role the 23-year-old was going to fulfil – he wasn’t a number nine or a No 10 but revelled in being described as a “9.5”.
Arsenal team news
Sunday 9 March 2025 15:32 , Lawrence OstlereMikel Arteta largely sticks with the team who thrashed PSV 7-1, unsurprisingly, but there is one change. Riccardo Calafiori replaces Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back, despite the young English defender being available again after suspension.
The Gunners are also boosted by the return of Gabriel Martinelli on the bench, giving them another option beyond Raheem Sterling later in the game.
Manchester United team news
Sunday 9 March 2025 15:28 , Lawrence OstlereRuben Amorim has dropped Rasmus Hojlund, who hasn’t scored in his past 19 games. Alejandro Garnacho starts in one of the attacking roles alongside Bruno Fernandes supporting striker Joshua Zirkzee.
Victor Lindelof comes into the defence, with Harry Maguire injured. United fans will be pleased to see Chido Obi fit enough to be on the bench.
Man Utd vs Arsenal team news and line-ups
Sunday 9 March 2025 15:18 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester Utd XI: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Lindelof; Mazraoui, Eriksen, Casemiro, Dalot; Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee
Subs: Harrison, Mee, Amass, Collyer, Fletcher, Moorhouse, Obi, Hojlund
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
Subs: Neto, White, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Tierney, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Sterling, Martinelli.
Team news
Sunday 9 March 2025 15:05 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in about 10 minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte are doubts after missing the Europa League draw at Real Sociedad.
Chido Obi missed that game due to as he was ineligible for Europe but could return. Patrick Dorgu remains suspended, with Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount all long-term absentees.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is available again for the Premier League after his red card against West Ham.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus remain out, so Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino are set to continue in attack.
Match facts
Sunday 9 March 2025 15:00 , Chris WilsonArsenal won this exact fixture 1-0 last season – they haven’t won consecutive away league games against Manchester United since February 1979.
The Gunners have scored in each of their last 10 Premier League away games against Manchester United (13 goals), having only managed to score in 10 of their first 22 visits to Old Trafford in the competition (11 goals).
Mikel Arteta gives Myles Lewis-Skelly stern warning that could affect Arsenal future
Sunday 9 March 2025 14:50 , Chris Wilson"A lesson to learn for him for sure. We will support and help him. The line is really thin in sport and he needs to understand that,” said Arteta on the youngster.
"He's very intelligent, he's extremely demanding of himself. He's a perfectionist, he's got a great environment around him. He's here to learn as well.”
Arteta added that Lewis-Skelly needed to consider “the level of exposure that you have”.
“Is the opponent facing you or not facing you? What is the probability to win that ball and when you have to commit to certain duels?
"Then you have to apply defensive principles (which) are very clear. If you don't do that at this level it's a big problem,” added the Spaniard.
Mikel Arteta gives Myles Lewis-Skelly stern warning that could affect Arsenal future
Sunday 9 March 2025 14:40 , Chris WilsonArsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly needs to understand "the line is really thin" if he is to avoid his career being derailed by disciplinary issues, according to head coach Mikel Arteta.
The 18-year-old had to be substituted in the first half of Tuesday's 7-1 mauling of PSV after picking up a yellow card in the 24th minute then shortly afterwards going in hard and late on defender Richard Ledezma.
Lewis-Skelly was highly fortunate to avoid being sent off for what would have been the third time in less than two months and left his manager with little choice but to withdraw him, with Riccardo Calafiori taking his place at left-back.
Mikel Arteta gives Myles Lewis-Skelly stern warning that could affect Arsenal future
Ruben Amorim tells Manchester United players to stop ‘fighting’ with each other
Sunday 9 March 2025 14:20 , Chris WilsonManchester United manager Ruben Amorim has told his players to stop “fighting” with each other after Rasmus Hojlund’s frustrated reaction towards Diogo Dalot in the 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad.
Striker Hojlund, who has not scored in 19 games for United, was furious with Dalot when the wing-back failed to cross the ball to him in the 19th minute. Dalot instead cut-back to Alejandro Garnacho.
Hojlund would have had an open shot at goal, with Amorim saying that Dalot’s decision was “not the best”, and the 22-year-old Dane did not hold back as he remonstrated towards his team-mate.
Ruben Amorim tells Manchester United players to stop ‘fighting’ with each other
Match facts
Sunday 9 March 2025 14:00 , Chris WilsonManchester United have lost their last four Premier League games against Arsenal – their longest losing run against the Gunners in their league history.
Mikel Merino confident Arsenal will be close to winning Champions League
Sunday 9 March 2025 13:40 , Chris WilsonMikel Merino believes Arsenal could be on the brink of winning the Champions League following their record-breaking 7-1 demolition job of PSV Eindhoven.
The previously goal-shy Gunners ran riot in the opening leg of their last-16 tie in the Netherlands on Tuesday to all but secure their place in the quarter-finals, where Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid await.
Mikel Arteta’s side became the first team in Champions League history to score seven away from home in a knockout tie, with the result also Arsenal’s biggest on their travels in the competition.
Mikel Merino confident Arsenal will be close to winning Champions League
Ruben Amorim: Recovery from Europa League ‘so much harder’ than Champions League
Sunday 9 March 2025 13:30 , Chris Wilson“In the Premier League, every game is really important. In our moment we need to win. It’s always a problem when we don’t win, so we have to focus on everything at the same time,” said Amorim.
“I think the biggest problem is not to have all the players, because in the beginning (of my reign) people talk about our rotation, especially in Europe. We were changing all the time and it’s because of this, because it’s really hard.
“The Europa League is so much harder, in my opinion, than the Champions League – not the games, but the recovery to play in the Premier League on the weekend, so we have to deal with that,” he added.
Ruben Amorim: Recovery from Europa League ‘so much harder’ than Champions League
Sunday 9 March 2025 13:20 , Chris WilsonManchester United head coach Ruben Amorim stressed the importance of recovery as his depleted side limp into Sunday’s clash with Arsenal looking to “survive”.
The Gunners make the journey to Old Trafford buoyed by Tuesday’s 7-1 Champions League win away to PSV Eindhoven and are the favourites to beat a side struggling for numbers and freshness.
United were without 11 players for Thursday’s trip to Real Sociedad in the Europa League, which came hot on the heels of their FA Cup exit to Fulham going the distance and playing the second half against Ipswich down to 10 men.
Ruben Amorim: Recovery from Europa League ‘so much harder’ than Champions League
Mikel Arteta confident Arsenal can rediscover scoring touch from set-pieces
Sunday 9 March 2025 13:00 , Chris WilsonArsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is confident his team will rediscover their magic touch from set-pieces after their recent fallow patch.
Opposition teams appeared to have no answer earlier in the season to the dead-ball routines employed by Arteta’s side under the direction of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, but lately they have been far less prolific.
They travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday knowing a win is essential if they are to keep alive their increasingly faint hopes of catching Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta confident Arsenal can rediscover scoring touch from set-pieces
Manchester United show promise but familiar flaws leave Ruben Amorim a headache
Sunday 9 March 2025 12:40 , Chris WilsonAnd the report from a slightly more drab event at United’s last match...
Ordinarily, a draw away from home in first leg of a European knockout round is one to be celebrated, putting any team in the driving seat to progress.
Manchester United’s home discomforts under Ruben Amorim, however, will make Old Trafford a jittery place come next Thursday, after a 1-1 first-leg draw in the Europa League last 16 was secured at Real Sociedad.
As often with this misfiring fallen giant, things could, and perhaps should, have been so much better in the Basque Country. Their crucial European adventure remains alive, but with plenty still to do to edge one step closer to that pivotal return to Champions League football next term.
Manchester United show promise but familiar flaws leave Ruben Amorim a headache
The symbolic goal behind Arsenal’s ridiculous, record-breaking night
Sunday 9 March 2025 12:25 , Richard JollyThe report from an astonishing night at Arsenal’s last match...
Boring, boring Arsenal? Not in carnival week in Eindhoven. Many a colourful disguise has been donned in this corner of the Netherlands in the last few days and Mikel Arteta’s roundheads took the guise of cavaliers for an evening of record-breaking, riotous, and at times ridiculous, fun. The team who couldn’t score became the first side in Champions League history to score seven goals in an away knockout match. “A special performance and an unbelievable score,” said Arteta.
After two goals in four games, Arsenal had two in three minutes in the first half, a further two in three at the start of the second. They had five within 50 minutes, a fifth straight Champions League win booked and a quarter-final date in Madrid in their diaries, whether to face Real or Atletico. No other visitor to PSV Eindhoven in Europe had scored more than four goals. Arsenal got seven and had two more disallowed. All, of course, without a specialist striker, though each of Arteta’s front three struck, a midfielder got a brace and full-backs bookended the scoring, both from open play. “That’s the kind of team I want to manage,” grinned Arteta. “For the last three or four years the way we share the goals throughout the squad has been very impressive so we are not depending on one player.”
The symbolic goal behind Arsenal’s ridiculous, record-breaking night
Man Utd fans urged to wear black at anti-Glazer protest amid claims club is ‘slowly dying’
Sunday 9 March 2025 12:10 , Chris WilsonManchester United fans have been urged by a supporters’ group to wear black to this weekend’s anti-Glazer protest to symbolise how the club is “slowly dying”.
Sunday’s home Premier League match against Arsenal will be preceded by a supporter march to Old Trafford, starting at 3.15pm from the Tollgate pub.
The 1958 fan group hope it “could be one of the largest-ever protests” at United, whose supporters have expressed opposition and fury since the Glazer family completed a leveraged takeover in 2005.
The key lesson Ruben Amorim can learn from Mikel Arteta to revive Manchester United
Sunday 9 March 2025 11:50 , Richard JollyIf Arsenal are a reminder of a rare highlight in Ruben Amorim’s troubled time in charge of Manchester United, they also represent a role model. A giant club headed for a historic low, looking for a new identity after the departure of their greatest manager, turned to an inexperienced figure from the Iberian peninsula, a former midfielder fast-tracked to a prominent position as a coach.
Amorim could be forgiven for looking at Mikel Arteta and seeing similarities; perhaps a blueprint, too, even if United are coming up with ever more plans to win the Premier League – while being ever further away from actually doing it – while Arsenal are on course for a bittersweet hat-trick, a trio of runners-up finishes. As frustrating as that could be, it nevertheless looks like progress from United’s vantage point of 14th.
The key lesson Ruben Amorim can learn from Mikel Arteta to revive Manchester United
Ruben Amorim admits he won’t be given as much time to succeed as Mikel Arteta
Sunday 9 March 2025 11:30 , Richard JollyRuben Amorim believes he will not get as much time as Mikel Arteta did at Arsenal in his attempts to transform Manchester United’s fortunes.
The Spaniard has been in charge at the Emirates Stadium for more than five years and has only won one major trophy, the 2020 FA Cup.
But he is on course for a third consecutive second-place finish in the Premier League and to take Arsenal to the Champions League quarter-finals for a second year in a row.
By contrast, Amorim’s United are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s meeting with the Gunners and the Portuguese, who only has a two-and-a-half year contract, believes he needs success quicker.
Ruben Amorim admits he won’t be given as much time to succeed as Mikel Arteta
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