goal.com

The young striker's goals have helped to bail out his manager, but it could all have been so different had injuries not crippled the Red Devils

At 19:30 on Thursday, Marcus Rashford was a virtual unknown. By Sunday afternoon, he was a household name.

Four goals in his first two senior games have transformed the Manchester United starlet into the man of the moment, and all eyes will again be on him against Watford on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old is hardly the first new name to hit the headlines this season. In fact, he is one of eight youth stars to make their first-team debuts over the past four months. But Rashford’s meteoric rise over the past seven days has been identified by some as further proof that Louis van Gaal is upholding United’s long-held reputation for breeding wonderful local talent, with even the manager himself claiming credit.

“It is the culture of Manchester United, and I think that’s why they take me as a manager,” the Dutchman said after the 3-2 win over Arsenal on Sunday. “Right now it is crazy, today we have 12 injured players, so it is overdone I think.

“But youngsters always give a lot of spirit to the team, and that is an important aspect of my philosophy.”

One must feel a little bit sorry for Van Gaal, with a whole host of recent injuries stretching his squad. But while he may claim some credit for the recent influx of youngsters, such a shift has come about only due to the knocks suffered by his more senior alternatives.

Before Rashford hit the headlines, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson was the young man providing the feel-good story of United’s season. Yet when first-team left-backs Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo were both crocked, Van Gaal turned first to Ashley Young then Matteo Darmian to provide emergency cover before giving Borthwick-Jackson a run in the starting XI.

The 19-year-old was seemingly only considered once all other options had been exhausted, and the same appears to be true of Rashford.

Much of the striker workload has been shared by Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial this season, with James Wilson, Marouane Fellaini and Memphis Depay all getting brief look-ins in the No.9 position before Christmas.

Rashford’s first call-up to the matchday squad didn’t come until the trip to Watford in November when Rooney, Martial, Wilson and Fellaini were all unavailable, and even then he didn’t get onto the pitch.

When the January transfer window opened, with Wilson already loaned to Brighton, Van Gaal decided to recall Will Keane from his season-long loan at Preston North End in order to add to his striker stocks.

As a result, until a few weeks ago Rashford was still well down the pecking order at Old Trafford. With Rooney, Martial, Fellaini, Keane and Depay all fit, the young Mancunian was still a long way from a first-team debut in the eyes of his manager. And it has only been in these weeks since the injury bug has bitten his strikers that Van Gaal has given Rashford his wings.

To be fair to the Dutchman, he could well have decided to shuffle his forward line against FC Midtjylland following the hamstring injury to Martial during the warm-up. With Rashford his only striking option on the bench, another manager might have decided to start with Depay as his lead forward with Andreas Pereira promoted to the left side.

Yet Rashford, the only striker left in United’s ranks outside of converted attacking midfielders, has come up trumps for Van Gaal. Two games which could have helped to tip the 64-year-old towards the job centre were turned on their head by a young man who had zero first-team experience just six days ago. As such, Van Gaal might well have just had his Mark Robins moment.

Back in 1990, it was Robins’ FA Cup third-round winner at Nottingham Forest in a rare starting appearance which saved Alex Ferguson’s job. United went on to win the competition, and the rest is a historic footballing tale.

While it would be folly to suggest United will turn around their season and their manager’s reign from here on in, he certainly does have the benefit of a feel-good factor which was simply unthinkable 10 days ago. Rashford’s rise has saved his boss’ skin until the summer at least, though.

The striker has always carried himself with an assuredness belying his age, and now Van Gaal has helped to keep his feet on the ground.

“We have to wait and see,” said Van Gaal of Rashford’s impact after Sunday’s heroics. “He has only played two matches. The first matches are always good for experience, but it is about the consistency so he has to show it in the third, fourth and fifth match.”

If Rashford can keep improving, then Van Gaal will surely keep turning to the kid to do a man’s job, but there can be no disguising the fact that it has been injuries alone which have led to the youngster’s sudden impact on senior football.

Van Gaal might bemoan his luck as his injury list lengthens, but in truth it has helped him to uncover United’s brightest star of the season.

Manchester United 3-2 Arsenal: Rashford double downs Gunners

The 18-year-old continued his remarkable start to his career with two goals to fire Louis van Gaal's side to victory at Old Trafford

Teenage sensation Marcus Rashford scored two goals on his Premier League debut to help fire Manchester United to a 3-2 win over Arsenal.

The 18-year-old was thrust into the starting XI for Thursday's Europa League last-32 second-leg clash with Midtjylland when Anthony Martial pulled up injured in the warm-up.

Two goals in that 5-1 win helped United into the next round and Rashford showed no signs of slowing down against the title-chasing Gunners.

He scored twice in the space of three first-half minutes – netting his first Premier League brace at exactly the same age as club captain Wayne Rooney when he registered his (18 years, 120 days).

Former United man Danny Welbeck pulled one back for Arsenal before the interval but Ander Herrera made it three in the 65th minute with Rashford providing the assist.

Ozil once again reduced the deficit four minutes later, but Arsenal left empty-handed and now sit five points behind leaders Leicester City, while United climb back to fifth.

Welbeck, who was deemed surplus to requirements by Louis van Gaal at United, came into the Arsenal starting line-up, while the Dutch manager – who is desperately short of attacking options due to an injury crisis - was once again forced to deploy Rashford.

The first chance of the match came courtesy of an unlikely source, though, as Nacho Monreal fired straight at the returning David de Gea after being played in by Ozil.

Rashford threatened the Arsenal defence with an early surge into the box. He won a free-kick on the edge of the area after being brought down by Gabriel Paulista, but Memphis Depay could only fire the set-piece straight at goalkeeper Petr Cech.

United had conceded three goals by the 19th minute in the reverse fixture but Arsenal, who positioned Welbeck out wide with Theo Walcott down the middle, did little to suggest they could carve open the home defence with the same lethal touch this time around.

And Rashford's dream week continued when Arsenal failed to clear a Guillermo Varela cross from the right, with the young striker placing a shot beyond Cech from the centre of the box.

The home fans had barely caught their breath when, three minutes later, Rashford headed in a second from a Jesse Lingard delivery – a goal with roots firmly in the United academy.

Rashford is a graduate of Fletcher Moss Rangers, for whom Arsenal's Welbeck also once played, and the community football club celebrated a treble when the latter headed beyond De Gea from an Ozil free-kick to make it 2-1 at the break.

United continued to impress after half-time and, following blocked shots from Morgan Schneiderlin and Depay, Rashford teed up Herrera to score from 20 yards, although the effort owed more than a little to a huge deflection off Laurent Koscielny.

Ozil's volley brought Arsenal back to 3-2 when the ball bounced kindly for him some 12 yards out in the 69th minute, before tempers briefly flared between Aaron Ramsey and Herrera.

Van Gaal showed his displeasure at a decision by referee Craig Pawson by dramatically throwing himself to the ground on the touchline late on, but it is Arsenal who must now pick themselves up after a string of disappointing results in the FA Cup, Champions League and now the Premier League.

•  

   

  That's all from us and it has been a great pleasure talking you through all of today's action from Old Trafford. We hope you can join us again very soon. Take care!
•  

   

  Marcus Rashford enhanced his burgeoning reputation by scoring a well-taken brace to help Manchester United down Arsenal 3-2 at Old Trafford. Ander Herrera's goal made the all important difference after the Gunners twice gave themselves hope through Danny Welbeck and Mesut Ozil. 
•  

   

  FULL TIME: MANCHESTER UNITED 3-2 ARSENAL
• 90'+5'

   

  SubstitutionAnder Herrera Agüera James Weir
  Van Gaal makes his third and final change of the game for United as another youngster, Weir, comes on in place of Herrera, who put in a sublime shift in midfield for his side today. 
• 90'+3'

   

  Yellow Card Adnan Januzaj
  Januzaj also gets his name taken by referee late on in the game. The Belgian has been lively since coming on for United, but picks up a caution for his troubles.
• 90'+2'

   

  Yellow Card Mesut Özil
  Ozil picks up a caution in the dying minutes here at Old Trafford. The referee has certainly been busy with the cards in this second half as Arsenal press for a leveller. 
• 90'+2'

   

  CLOSE! Januzaj plays a lovely one-two with Mata deep inside Arsenal's half as United ponder whether to go for goal. The Belgian does so by playing a cutback towards Depay, but Koscielny gets an important tackle in to cancel out the move. 
• 90'+1'

   

  The fourth official on the touchline indicates that a minimum of five minutes is being added on here at Old Trafford. Ozil curls in a free-kick towards Giroud but Blind hacks away the ball for the hosts. 
• 89'

   

  Varela makes an important intervention again as Fosu-Mensah gives possession away cheaply. Sanchez plays a long ball forward looking to hit Giroud but United's right-back stretches his neck muscles to snuff out the danger. 
• 87'

   

  United feed the ball towards the corner as they look to hold onto what would be a massive three points if they get over the line, with this scoreline intact. Lingard waits and waits for Elneny to bring him down, winning his side a free-kick. It's all getting frustrating for Arsenal. 
• 85'

   

  Depay barges into Bellerin as the two contest for the ball in the air. The Dutchman attempts to flick it on towards Januzaj but the Arsenal defender gets a block in and comes away with possession. The Gunners are on the breakaway here. 
• 83'

   

  SubstitutionDaniel Nii Tackie Mensah Welbeck Alex Iwobi
  Wenger makes his third and final change for Arsenal as Iwobi comes on in place of Welbeck, who impressed today with his control while he also took his goal really well. 
• 83'

   

  Ozil bends in a decent corner from the left-hand side towards the near post but United clear the danger easily. Arsenal's best chance of finding an equaliser is through the Germany international, who has played well today. 
• 81'

   

  It's great defending from Varela as he quashes a bright Arsenal attack. Welbeck gets the ball under control at the far post but just as he looks to drive in a cross, the United youngster stabs the danger away well. 
• 80'

   

  SubstitutionMarcus Rashford Adnan Januzaj
  Van Gaal makes his second change of the game for United as Rashford, who has enjoyed a fine afternoon in red by having a hand in all three of his side's goals, comes off in place of Januzaj. 
• 79'

   

  United have been forced to play on the counter-attack now as Arsenal continue to push for a leveller. However, Wenger's men are still playing short, neat passes rather than trying to hit Giroud early with crosses.
• 77'

   

  A cross curls in from the left-hand side towards Giroud, who does his best to try and work an angle to get a shot off but United shut the door in the nick of time to deny him. Arsenal are on the front foot at the moment. 
• 75'

   

  Arsenal are starting to push for that all important equaliser by keeping hold of possession better. Giroud also gives them a different threat, peeling onto Blind to use his superior height advantage. 
• 73'

   

  Yellow Card Mohamed El Nenny
  Elneny picks up a booking as he mistimes a challenge in the middle of the park. The Arsenal substitute has barely had a touch of the ball since coming on due to United having a strong grip on the affair. 
• 73'

   

  United, although they have shipped in another, are still in control of this match and you feel as though they have more goals in them. Depay and Mata have been very dangerous for the hosts today. 
• 72'

   

  Yellow Card Ander Herrera Agüera
  Herrera also picks up a booking for his involvement in his earlier scuffle with Ramsey. The cards are starting to tot up now as the odds shorten on this match staying 11 vs 11. 
• 71'

   

  Yellow Card Aaron Ramsey
  It's just a yellow card for Ramsey, who did put his hands into Herrera's face. In that sense, he can be seen as a lucky man as other referee's may have dished out a red.
• 71'

   

  Herrera fumes at Ramsey as the Arsenal midfielder hits the deck from an earlier challenge. The Welshman reacts by pushing the Spaniard, who then falls to the floor. The referee has a big decision to make here. 
• 70'

   

  SubstitutionFrancis Coquelin Mohamed El Nenny
  Wenger makes his second change of the game for Arsenal as Elneny comes on in place of Coquelin, who kept his side's possession ticking over neatly today. 
• 69'

   

   

   

  Goal Mesut Özil
  GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAALLL!! It's 3-2 and Arsenal are back in it again! Sanchez curls in a great cross from the right-hand side which falls to Welbeck, who forces a good save from De Gea with a close-range shot. The ball spills out to Ozil who hits a shot which bounces into the turf and into the top corner. 
• 67'

   

  Fosu-Mensah gets brought down in Arsenal's half but the referee plays advantage as United surge forward looking for a fourth. Depay dips infield to play a one-two with Rashford, before he almost gets a shot away only for Bellerin to get a last-ditch tackle in.
• 65'

   

  Assist Marcus Rashford
  Rashford's day improves further as he grabs an assist alongside his two goals today. The striker does well to hold the ball up and play in Herrera, who bends a brilliant shot past Cech from distance.
• 65'

   

   

   

  Goal Ander Herrera Agüera
  GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL!! It's 3-1 to United! The Red Devils counter-attack Arsenal brilliantly as Rashford gets involved again. The marksman holds the ball up patiently before he spots Herrera on the edge of the box and the Spaniard doesn't disappoint as he bends a quality strike past Cech. 
• 63'

   

  Ozil stands the ball up for Sanchez at the back post with a clipped pass but Varela gets in front of him to head the ball away. The attack stays alive for Arsenal as Welbeck tries to spin into the box, before Carrick gets another good tackle in. United are on the counter-attack now.
• 63'

   

  SubstitutionTheo Walcott Olivier Giroud
  Wenger makes his first change of the game for Arsenal as Giroud comes on in place of Walcott, who disappointed by giving the ball away in the build up to United's opener, while he didn't do too much in attack either. 
• 61'

   

  Depay picks up the ball just outside Arsenal's penalty area and tries to play a one-two with Rashford, but Koscielny barges into the back of the latter and that sees the attack fizzle out. United are still in control of possession, though.
• 59'

   

  It's good play from Depay on his own as he hangs onto possession up against both Bellerin and Walcott, who were snapping at the Dutchman's heels. He's building on his excellent display in midweek with another fine performance this afternoon.
• 57'

   

  The second half has started a little bit like the first in that both sides have occasionally threatened, particularly down the flanks, but it hasn't caught fire just yet. De Gea is still yet to really be tested at all.
• 55'

   

  CHANCE! Depay bends in a decent free-kick from the right-hand side which flies right beyond Arsenal's backline towards Schneiderlin, who stands unmarked at the back stick. The French midfielder waits for the ball to sit up before he smashes a shot which Sanchez blocks well.
• 55'

   

  SubstitutionFaustino Marcos Alberto Rojo Timothy Fosu-Mensah
  Van Gaal makes his first change of the game for United as Rojo, who appears to have picked up a knock, comes off in place of youngster Fosu-Mensah just before the hour mark.
• 53'

   

  United put together a decent attacking move as Depay lets Rashford's cutback run through to Mata and peels away into the box in hope of getting played in. The Spaniard obliges with a clipped pass towards the Dutchman but Cech rushes out to gobble the ball up. 
• 51'

   

  It's a great pick-out from Koscielny as he plays a brilliant cross-field ball from the back towards Walcott, who lurks deep inside United's half. The Arsenal forward curls in a cross which Schneiderlin clears with ease, though, due to the lack of numbers the visitors had in the box. 
• 49'

   

  Rashford comes back onto the field appearing to be fine as Arsenal keep hold of possession early doors in the second half. Bellerin sweeps a pass forward towards Walcott, but it's great play from Depay as he tracks back and clears the danger. 
• 47'

   

  A short suspension in play occurs as Rashford receives some treatment from the physios following an earlier collision with Koscielny. The replay shows that the United forward gets caught slightly by the Arsenal defender's trailing left boot. 
• 46'

   

  Welcome back! United get us under way again for the second half here at Old Trafford.
•  

   

  However, Ozil's set-piece threat provided the goods once again as he curled in a peach of cross to set up Welbeck just a few minutes before the half-time interval. It's all set up for a quality second half.
•  

   

  Arsenal started the better of the two in terms of going forward, forcing United to pick up two yellow cards during counter-attacks. Depay was his side's best threat going forward for a long time before Van Gaal's men soon clicked into gear, punishing bad defending twice. 
•  

   

  Well, well, well. Both sets of players head down the tunnel for the half-time break as the referee calls time on what was an action-packed first half here at Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford catches the eye again as he scores a well-taken brace, shortly before Danny Welbeck claws an important goal back for Arsenal. 
•  

   

  HALF TIME: MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 ARSENAL
• 45'+1'

   

  CLOSE! Lingard receives the ball deep inside Arsenal's half and drives right at the heart of Monreal, who remains the last man back for the visitors. However, the linesman saves Wenger's men with his raised offside flag. 
• 45'

   

  The referee indicates that a minimum of two minutes are being added onto the first half here as Ozil drives the resulting set play straight at the United wall. The ball rebounds out to Sanchez, who smashes a shot off Depay which deflects out for a corner. 
• 44'

   

  Blind stops a lively Arsenal attack from testing De Gea as he clips Welbeck just outside his own penalty area. The referee keeps his cards in his pocket this time as both Ozil and Sanchez stand over the ball. 
• 42'

   

  Welbeck finds the net against his former paymasters which could be a massive goal come full time. United have well and truly been in the ascendancy since going two nil up, but the visitors will fancy their chances of getting something now. 
• 40'

   

  Assist Mesut Özil
  Ozil's assist tally edges ever closer to breaking the all-time Premier League record as he sets up Welbeck for Arsenal's first today. The Germany international, in trademark fashion, bends in a lovely free-kick which does all of the work for the goal scorer. 
• 40'

   

   

   

  Goal Daniel Nii Tackie Mensah Welbeck
  GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLL!! It's 2-1 as Arsenal grab a lifeline at Old Trafford. Welbeck importantly claws a goal back just before the interval as he loses Schneiderlin inside the box and heads home from Ozil's delightful free-kick. 
• 38'

   

  Mata, who was involved in the build up to both of Rashford's strikes, plays a one-two with Depay down the left as United look for a third goal. But the Spaniard fails to keep the ball in play as he smashes a cross into the arms of Cech from outside the byline. 
• 36'

   

  Arsenal, in need of a goal to restore some confidence, create an opening at the other end as Ozil tiptoes around the penalty area before Blind gets a good tackle in. The Gunners try and keep the attack in play but ironic cheers soon greet Ramsey's inability to keep the ball in play down the right. 
• 34'

   

  United can smell blood as they steam forward on the hunt for a third, in hope of getting revenge for their defeat at Arsenal earlier in the campaign. Depay dips infield onto his stronger right foot from the left but sends a shot wide of the target. 
• 32'

   

  Assist Jesse Lingard
  Lingard grabs the assist for United's second here today. The youngster shifts the ball from right to left and bends in a lovely cross towards Rashford, but Gabriel has to do more to get in front of the goal scorer.
• 32'

   

   

   

  Goal Marcus Rashford
  GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLL!! Rashford scores again! The young forward's week just gets better and better as heads home with aplomb to double United's lead. Gabriel crucially fails to deal with Lingard's cross from the right-hand side.
• 31'

   

  The atmosphere inside Old Trafford has cranked up dramatically since Rashford broke the deadlock. Arsenal looked the more dangerous of the two going forward, but they've been pegged back and need to find a response as United fly forward on the attack again now.
• 29'

   

   

   

  Goal Marcus Rashford
  GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLL!! It's 1-0 to United! The roof flies off as Rashford does it again at Old Trafford! The ball squirts out to him inside the penalty area as Gabriel tries to clear Varela's cross, before he guides a shot calmly past Cech. 
• 27'

   

  Just when Gabriel receives deserved praise for making a good challenge, Carrick trumps him with an even better one on Welbeck minutes later. The United man stands firm up against a stepover from the Arsenal striker and wins the ball as he makes a tackle inside the penalty area.
• 25'

   

  It's good, important defending from Gabriel as he cancels out a potentially lethal United attack. The defender slides in well to prevent Rashford being fed down the left-hand side, to the relief of last man Koscielny. 
• 23'

   

  Ozil whips in another teasing free-kick from a deep area which plays Sanchez in. The former Barcelona forward tries to steer a header around De Gea, before he gets thwarted in his tracks by the linesman's offside flag. 
• 22'

   

  Yellow Card Michael Carrick
  Carrick becomes the second United player to pick up a booking in the first half as he clatters into Welbeck. The Arsenal man sees the makeshift defender coming and wins his side a free-kick cleverly.
• 21'

   

  Depay drops the shoulder once more as he attempts to take Bellerin on towards the byline. The winger, however, curls in a cross which bypasses his team-mates inside the penalty area as the danger goes for Arsenal. 
• 19'

   

  Monreal continues to shine in this match as he marauds forward from left-back once more. He bends in a cracking cross from the left towards Welbeck, before Blind gets in front and heads the ball away. It sits up for Sanchez but he scuffs a shot on the rebound wide of the target.
• 17'

   

  Sanchez collects possession from Welbeck down the left and gets his head up early to look for options. He opts against testing Varela, who has already been cautioned, and instead curls a pass towards Walcott at the back post, but Rojo makes a good clearance for the hosts.
• 15'

   

  Welbeck steams forward on the breakaway for Arsenal but Rojo matches him stride-for-stride, falling to the floor as the two players rub shoulders. The game finally feels as though it has kicked into life after a tentative opening. 
• 13'

   

  It's a great save from Cech as he gobbles up the free-kick from Depay. The ball just bounces up slightly in front of him but he does well to hang onto it with several United players lurking in the box. 
• 12'

   

  FOUL! Rashford oozes confidence as he skips past Bellerin down the left flank, before he goes to ground under pressure from Gabriel. United appeal for a penalty but the contact occurs just outside the box. Depay stands over the free-kick with interest at the moment. 
• 11'

   

  Arsenal have looked the sharper of the two in an attacking-sense so far. And with Varela already on a yellow card, you feel giving the ball to Sanchez down the left-hand side could bring them further joy. 
• 9'

   

  Ozil bends in a decent free-kick from the left flank towards the back stick as Gabriel rises highest. The Arsenal defender flicks it towards Welbeck at the other post before Blind smashes away the ball.
• 9'

   

  Yellow Card Guillermo Varela Olivera
  Varela picks up the first booking of the match as he fouls Sanchez down the left-hand side. The Arsenal winger skins the youngster, who cynically pulls him to the ground to stop the attack. 
• 7'

   

  GREAT SAVE! It's magnificent play from Ozil as he scoops a first time pass over the top of United's backline towards an onrushing Monreal. The Arsenal left-back waits for the ball to sit up for him before he shoots straight at De Gea, who does well to make himself big from point-blank range. 
• 5'

   

  Sanchez steals possession away from Schneiderlin outside United's penalty area as an Arsenal opportunity beckons. However, the Chile international undercooks his pass into Welbeck and that allows Carrick the chance to clear the danger.
• 3'

   

  It's been a cagey opening couple of minutes here in Manchester. United, as expected, are moving possession around neatly, biding their time to find an opening. Arsenal, on the flip side, are looking to counter-attack through Walcott's pace. 
• 1'

   

  Arsenal get us under way here at Old Trafford. The man in charge of the cards for today's encounter is Craig Pawson.
•  

   

  Both sets of players are stripped and raring to go as they leave the tunnel and enter onto the field here at Old Trafford. We are just moments away from seeing the action start to unfold. 
•  

   

  ARSENAL substitutes: Ospina, Gibbs, Giroud, Mertesacker, Campbell, Elneny, Iwobi. 
•  

   

  ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Ramsey, Coquelin; Walcott, Ozil, Sanchez; Welbeck.
•  

   

  MANCHESTER UNITED substitutes: Romero, Januzaj, McNair, Pereira, Weir, Riley, Fosu-Mensah.
•  

   

  MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Varela, Carrick, Blind, Rojo; Schneiderlin, Herrera; Lingard, Mata, Depay; Rashford.
•  

   

  TEAM NEWS: Arsene Wenger has made three alterations to the team which started Arsenal's 2-0 loss at the hands of Barcelona on Tuesday. Gabriel comes into the backline while Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck start in attack. Per Mertesacker and Olivier Giroud drop to the bench with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out through injury.
•  

   

  TEAM NEWS: Louis van Gaal has made just two changes to the side which started United's 5-1 thrashing of Midtjylland on Thursday. David De Gea and Marcos Rojo come into the first 11 for Arsenal's visit, while midweek hero Marcus Rashford keeps his place up front. Teenager Timothy Fosu-Mensah is amongst the substitutes.  
•  

   

  Arsenal, on the other hand, secured that memorable last-gasp 2-1 win over Leicester City a couple of weeks back but have suffered two blows since then, drawing to Hull City in the FA Cup before losing in the late stages against Barcelona on Tuesday. The Gunners need to respond well and a game with United is the perfect stage to do so.
•  

   

  United are heading into today's affair with confidence on their side after picking up morale-boosting wins over Shrewsbury and Midtjylland across two cup competitions. Every time they have threatened to go on a run this season, though, they've slipped up so this match is a huge test of their character.  
•  

   

  Good afternoon and welcome to our LIVE text commentary on today's Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal from Old Trafford. Kick-off is at 2:05pm.