Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice struck in the second half to cancel out Bruno Fernandes's free kick but Mikel Arteta's men could only muster a 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday in a big blow to their Premier League title chances.
Second-placed Arsenal trail leaders Liverpool by 15 points but with a game in hand, while Manchester United are 14th on 34 points.
The first half was far from a classic with Arsenal dominating possession but with few chances for either side before Fernandes finally broke the deadlock seconds before halftime and against the run of play with a brilliant free kick that sailed over the wall and past the outstretched hands of goalkeeper David Raya.
The second half was far more entertaining with near misses for both sides before Rice levelled in the 74th minute when he latched onto a ball from Jurrien Timber and unleashed a blistering shot from the edge of the box past Andre Onana.
Man Utd vs Arsenal latest news
- Declan Rice responds to Bruno Fernandes goal as Man Utd hold Arsenal to draw
- Arsenal ratings vs Man Utd: Raya makes up for mistake as Rice shines
- Arsenal brought crashing back down to earth as problems emerge again
- Arteta confirms Saka injury latest as Arsenal boss delivers title race verdict
- Mikel Arteta responds to debate over Arsenal wall before Bruno Fernandes scores brilliant free-kick
- Ruben Amorim makes 'clear' Bruno Fernandes transfer demand at Manchester United
- Amorim reacts to Manchester United fan protests outside Old Trafford
- Arteta walks out of Sky Sports interview after title question
Good night!
21:55 , Jonathan GorrieThanks for joining Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Manchester United’s drew with Arsenal.
Find our report, ratings, analysis and reaction below!
Arteta walks out of Sky Sports interview after title question
21:54 , Jonathan GorrieMikel Arteta left a post-match interview early following Arsenal’s drew with Manchester United.
The Gunners slipped 15 points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League table after leaving Old Trafford with only a point.
Arsenal drew 1-1 with United following another laboured attacking display. Arteta’s side dominated most of the first-half but failed to score before Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead with a clever free-kick.
Amorim reacts to Manchester United fan protests outside Old Trafford
21:27 , Jonathan GorrieManchester United fans deserve better from the team, manager Ruben Amorim said following their 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday after the day started with a protest from several thousand supporters outside Old Trafford.
The supporters, most of them dressed in black, marched to the stadium in protest at the club's ownership, which has been criticised for the team's poor performance on the pitch, plus rising ticket prices and job losses.
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Ruben Amorim makes 'clear' Bruno Fernandes transfer demand at Manchester United
20:20 , Jonathan GorrieRuben Amorim has called for Manchester United to sign more players like Bruno Fernandes.
The Red Devils captain is frequently touted as the only major success story the club have had in the transfer market since the retirement of iconic manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
Fernandes joined United from Sporting in January 2020 for around £50million and has since scored 91 goals while registering 79 assists in 275 appearances, winning the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup along the way.
Mikel Arteta responds to debate over Arsenal wall before Bruno Fernandes scores brilliant free-kick
20:13 , Jonathan GorrieMikel Arteta had no issue with Bruno Fernandes taking advantage of the wall for his free-kick against Arsenal being more than 10 yards away and praised the Manchester United for being streetwise.
Fernandes gave United the lead against Arsenal, curling home a free-kick just before half time.
Replays have since shown that the wall was 11.2 yards away, instead of the 10 required, but Arteta has not hit out at referee Anthony Taylor.
Arteta confirms Saka injury latest as Arsenal boss delivers title race verdict
19:45 , Jonathan GorrieArsenal manager Mikel Arteta is not expecting Bukayo Saka to follow Gabriel Martinelli’s lead and return ahead of schedule.
Martinelli, like Saka, had been due to return to action after this month’s international break following a hamstring injury picked up in early February.
Arsenal brought crashing back down to earth as problems emerge again
19:03 , Jonathan GorrieBack to the Premier League, back to reality.
After a thumping win over PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal were brought back down to earth after they were held to a draw by Manchester United.
On the balance of play, it was no more than United deserved and the Gunners could easily have headed back to north London with nothing.
Goalkeeper David Raya made a string of great saves in the second half to ensure this game finished 1-1.
This was a performance Arsenal fans have seen before, especially in attack. Against a deep United defence, they struggled to create and there was not the space that PSV offered them on Tuesday night.
Once again, Arsenal’s need to strengthen their attack this summer was laid bare and it took a stunning strike from Declan Rice for them to find the net.
Read Simon Collings’ full analysis here!
Arsenal ratings vs Man Utd: Raya makes up for mistake as Rice shines
18:44 , Jonathan GorrieDeclan Rice cancelled out Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick as Arsenal were held to a draw by Manchester United.
Fernandes put United ahead just before half time by curling a free-kick past David Raya, whose positioning was suspect.
Arsenal had dominated plenty of possession before that, but they had struggled to create many clear-cut chances.
Rice, however, came to their rescue and found the net 16 minutes before the end with a great finish from the edge of the penalty area.
Simon Collings was at Old Trafford to see Arsenal in action...
Declan Rice responds to Bruno Fernandes goal as Man Utd hold Arsenal to draw
18:32 , Jonathan GorrieDeclan Rice’s goal cancelled out a brilliant Bruno Fernandes free-kick as Manchester United held Arsenal to a draw in Sunday’s huge Premier League clash.
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FT: Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
18:27 , Jonathan GorrieIt’s over! United improve after the break but Arsenal will feel disappointed not to have taken all three points given their first-half advantage.
Great double save from David Raya to at least hand them a point.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
18:25 , Jonathan Gorrie92 mins: WHAT A SAVE!
David Raya stops Bruno Fernandes TWICE from close range! After the first stop, the ball looked to be looping over the line but the goalkeeper claws it away.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
18:24 , Jonathan Gorrie91 mins: BIG save from Onana to stop Odegaard’s driven shot just inside the box.
The goalkeeper, however, parries to Martinelli - who somehow blazes over from close range.
Luckily for the Brazilian, the offside flag had gone.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
18:22 , Jonathan Gorrie90 mins: FOUR MINUTES ADDED!
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
18:22 , Jonathan Gorrie89 mins: Garnacho twists and turns inside but fires just over.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
18:18 , Jonathan Gorrie86 mins: Now a huge challenge from Gabriel to stop Hojlund scoring at the near post.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
18:16 , Jonathan Gorrie83 mins: What a tackle!
Merino caught on the ball by Casemiro, who finds Hojlund. He looks set to strike at goal but Rice robs him with a fine challenge.
Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
18:13 , Jonathan Gorrie81 mins: Onana parries away Martinelli’s shot at the near post. Should really have gone across goal.
Simon Collings at Old Trafford
18:07 , Jonathan GorrieA great finish from Rice, but how have United left him with that much space on the edge of the box?
GOAL! Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal | Declan Rice '73
18:06 , Jonathan Gorrie73 mins: GOAL!
Rice sweeps in a brilliant strike after Timber’s cutback!
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
18:02 , Jonathan Gorrie70 mins: Odegaard fires a free-kick straight into the United wall from just outside the box.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
17:57 , Jonathan Gorrie65 mins: Trossard scuffs one just wide after making space for himself just outside the box.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
17:55 , Jonathan Gorrie62 mins: Arsenal coming back into it, with United dropping a touch deeper.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
17:51 , Jonathan Gorrie59 mins: Another top save from Raya to deny Zirkzee’s back-heeled flick after United benefit from a big deflection.
Simon Collings at Old Trafford
17:46 , Jonathan GorrieThat's a heck of a save from Raya, not a bad way to redeem himself
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
17:45 , Jonathan Gorrie53 mins: Brilliant save from Raya to deny Mazraoui after a United break.
Does so well with his feet from close range.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
17:43 , Jonathan Gorrie50 mins: Onana tips Odegaard’s whipped effort over the bar. Corner given but United unhappy, given they think the ball simply went over.
Rice volleys over from the resulting corner, pinged into him by Odegaard.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
17:39 , Jonathan Gorrie46 mins: Timber cuts out Garnacho’s cut back before Eriksen can latch onto it.
Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
17:37 , Jonathan GorrieBack underway! Heaven on for Yoro as United forced into change.
Watch: Bruno Fernandes scores brilliant goal for Man Utd against Arsenal
17:26 , Jonathan GorrieWhat a strike...
Bruno Fernandes, that is beautiful 😍 pic.twitter.com/7pAau1Aqjz
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 9, 2025
Simon Collings at Old Trafford
17:24 , Jonathan GorrieOn second viewing, not sure it's great positioning from Raya. Think making a massive wall did not help, left a lot of the goal to cover.
HT: Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal
17:22 , Jonathan Gorrie45 mins: United lead at the break, following that brilliant Fernandes free-kick. Still, the hosts are fuming the whistle went just as they were on the break.
Arsenal have dominated but have nothing to show for it.
GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal | Bruno Fernandes '46
17:1946 mins: GOAL!
WOW! United have done nothing for 45 minutes but Fernandes curls in a fine free-kick on the stroke of half-time.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
17:17 , Jonathan Gorrie45 mins: Trossard brings Garnacho down just outside the box for a dangerous United free-kick...
Simon Collings at Old Trafford
17:13 , Jonathan GorrieZirkzee having a torrid time, so far. Getting zero change out of Gabriel and Saliba. Been bullied all half.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
17:08 , Jonathan Gorrie36 mins: Lindelof does well to cut out Nwaneri’s dangerous cross.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
17:03 , Jonathan Gorrie31 min: Trossard curls just wide after a nice ball from Gabriel. It’s all Arsenal but clear cut chances have been few and far between.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
17:02 , Jonathan Gorrie30 mins: Calafiori overhits a cross for Merino after a promising Arsenal break.
Simon Collings at Old Trafford
16:56 , Jonathan GorrieStark contrast between United and how PSV setup on Tuesday night. United basically with 11 men behind the ball as soon as they lose it.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:51 , Jonathan Gorrie19 mins: Odegaard tries his luck from just outside the box but Onana saves with ease.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:48 , Jonathan Gorrie16 mins: Onana punches away Rice’s first corner.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:46 , Jonathan Gorrie14 mins: Signs of encouragement for United as Garnacho breaks loose and fires wide across the face of goal.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:4512 mins: Yoro back on as Arsenal continue to enjoy most of the ball.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:42 , Jonathan Gorrie10 mins: Worry for United as Yoro goes down injured before looking to come back on. Casemiro in defence now.
Simon Collings at Old Trafford
16:41 , Jonathan GorrieArsenal fans having some fun taunting the home supporters: "We want Glazers to stay!"
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:41 , Jonathan Gorrie09 mins: Merino drags one just wide after more good work from Odegaard.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:39 , Jonathan Gorrie07 mins: Odegaard does well to find a nice run from Rice but he’s eventually crowded out of the United penalty area.
Simon Collings at Old Trafford
16:35 , Jonathan GorrieA pretty shaky start from United, who look nervy playing out from the back. Arsenal's plan looks like they want to press United high up the pitch - and you can see why.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:35 , Jonathan Gorrie03 mins: Onana spares Yoro’s blushes after a defensive mix-up almost allows Merino in.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:34 , Jonathan Gorrie02 mins: Bright start from the Gunners, who are seeing most of the ball in the opening stages.
Man Utd vs Arsenal
16:31 , Jonathan GorrieKICK-OFF!
Man Utd vs Arsenal
16:15 , Jonathan GorrieMikel Arteta’s pre-match message...
💬 "Today we have a big game, a big opportunity in an incredible stadium to be ourselves and earn the right to win the game."
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 9, 2025
Mikel Arteta on this afternoon's trip to Old Trafford 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/CwkSw2TL9E
Man Utd vs Arsenal
15:55 , Jonathan GorrieGary Neville addresses the current state of Manchester United...
Damning analysis from @GNev2 on the state of affairs at Old Trafford 💬 pic.twitter.com/fhwlWhcTQV
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 9, 2025
Man Utd vs Arsenal: Latest Premier League odds today
15:37 , Jonathan GorrieManchester United – 15/4
Draw – 5/2
Arsenal – 31/40
Odds via Betway
Man Utd vs Arsenal
15:36 , Jonathan GorrieBig boost for Arsenal with Gabriel Martinelli back on the bench at Old Trafford
Man Utd vs Arsenal
15:30 , Jonathan GorrieStandard Sport’s Simon Collings delivers his pre-match video preview!
"Two clubs with very differing moods around them right now"
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) March 9, 2025
🗣 @sr_collings is in position to preview #MUNARS
LIVE: https://t.co/IXPq15l7Jn pic.twitter.com/uedwJ4nxut
Confirmed Arsenal lineup
15:21 , Jonathan GorrieArsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Trossard, Merino
Subs: Neto, White, Zinchenko, Tierney, Lewis-Skelly, Kiwior, Jorginho, Martinelli, Sterling
Confirmed Manchester United lineup
15:21 , Jonathan GorrieMan Utd XI: Onana; Lindelof, De Light, Yoro; Mazraoui, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dalot; Eriksen, Garnacho, Zirkzee
Subs: Harrison, Mee, Amass, Heaven, Collyer, Fletcher, Moorhouse, Obi, Hojlund
Man Utd vs Arsenal
15:03 , Jonathan GorrieProtests against Manchester United outside of Old Trafford...
Start of protest. pic.twitter.com/K8nAbJm6aC
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) March 9, 2025
Martin Odegaard admits his Arsenal performances have 'not been good enough' this season
14:50 , Jonathan GorrieArsenal captain Martin Odegaard has admitted his performances this season have “not been good enough” - but he hopes Wednesday’s thumping win over PSV Eindhoven will be a turning point.
Odegaard was named man of the match against PSV as Arsenal ran out 7-1 winners in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
The Norwegian scored twice and setup another goal and he is eager to take that form into Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford.
Casemiro makes Manchester United vow after frustration over playing time
14:35 , Jonathan GorrieCasemiro has been frustrated by his lack of game time under Ruben Amorim but vowed to keep giving his all for the head coach and Manchester United.
The 33-year-old's star has faded somewhat since making a superb initial impact after joining from Real Madrid to much fanfare in 2022.
Casemiro had found himself on the bench more often than not under Amorim, but United's injury crisis has seen him play an increased role of late.
Mikel Arteta reveals Myles Lewis-Skelly talks over Arsenal discipline
14:20 , Jonathan GorrieMikel Arteta has had a one-on-one talk with Myles Lewis-Skelly after hooking him before half time during Arsenal’s resounding win over PSV Eindhoven.
Lewis-Skelly was taken off in the 35th minute on a yellow card during Tuesday’s Champions League clash and he was fortunate not to be sent off before then.
Already on a booking, the 18-year-old mistimed a tackle on PSV winger Richard Ledezma just minutes later and he was lucky to not be shown a second yellow card.
Chido Obi set for Arsenal reunion as Manchester United striker looks to prove point
14:10 , Jonathan GorrieListening to Mikel Arteta, it is easy to understand how highly Arsenal rated Chido Obi.
Even after Obi left Arsenal to join Manchester United last year, and ahead of a possible reunion at Old Trafford on Sunday, there was no softening in Arteta’s praise for the teenage striker.
“A massive goal threat, an attitude and love to be inside the box and a capacity to score in many different ways,” Arteta said on Friday. “That was him.”
Read the full preview from Simon Collings here!
Why are Man United fans wearing black against Arsenal today?
14:07Sections of the Manchester United support are today wearing black for their Premier League clash against Arsenal.
Supporter group ‘The 1958’ are organising a protest against the Glazer family ownership, as well as part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
They will march to Old Trafford ahead of the game, starting at 3.15pm GMT from the Tollgate Pub near the ground. It will continue down to United’s Trinity statue and down Old Trafford’s Munich Tunnel.
The group hope it “could be one of the largest ever protests” at the club.
Supporters have demonstrated against the Glazers since they purchased the club back in 2005, including wearing black along with armbands with ‘RIP’ written on them during the FA Cup final against Arsenal that year.
Click here to read the full details!
Man Utd vs Arsenal: Head to head (h2h) history and results
14:04 , Jonathan GorrieMan Utd wins: 102
Draws: 50
Arsenal FC wins: 9
Man Utd vs Arsenal: Premier League score prediction today
14:01 , Jonathan GorrieUnited may well have raised their game against the bigger names this season but even that surely won’t enough given the amount of key players they’re missing.
Arsenal were ruthless in the week and there is little reason why they can’t be here, either.
Arsenal to win, 2-0.
Arsenal team news vs Man Utd today
14:01 , Jonathan GorrieArsenal may opt to stick, rather than twist, for today’s trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Arsenal became the first team in the Champions League history to score seven goals in away knockout match when they won 7-1 in Holland on Tuesday.
Manager Mikel Arteta may look to rest players for the second leg of the last-16 tie next week, but he will go strong at Old Trafford.
The Arsenal boss could name an unchanged side as he has no fresh injury concerns from the PSV win.
If Arteta is to make changes, then defence would be the most likely place for him to do so.
Riccardo Calafiori impressed off the bench against PSV and could come into the team at left-back over Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Man Utd team news vs Arsenal today
14:00 , Jonathan GorrieManchester United starlet Chido Odi is in contention to play against his former club Arsenal at Old Trafford this afternoon.
Odi was ineligible for Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad because he is not registered the Europa League, but is pushing for a start ahead of the much-maligned Rasmus Hojlund.
The 17-year-old striker left Arsenal for Manchester United last summer.
"Everybody can start,” said manager Ruben Amorim ahead of the Arsenal game. “If they are training tomorrow [Friday], if they played today [Thursday], they can be ready. Chido is on the list, so he can play
"We are trying to see all the players that are fresh and that are not in danger of getting an injury. Even that, we have to risk a little but we have to be competitive on Sunday."
Man Utd vs Arsenal: TV channel and live stream for Premier League today
14:00 , Jonathan GorrieTV channel: The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch via the Sky Go app.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Welcome
13:22 , Jonathan GorrieGood afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Manchester United’s huge Premier League clash against Arsenal.
Kick-off from Old Trafford is at 2pm GMT.
