AMAD DIALLO showed Erik ten Hag why he has been begging to be picked as Manchester United failed to produce the goods against Arsenal.
The youngster has found game time difficult to come by this season since suffering a bad injury in pre-season.
But he looked sharp against the Gunners and was United’s most dangerous threat before being hooked after picking up an injury.
United responded to their 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace with an improved display – but one in which they rarely troubled the Arsenal defence.
And when Leandro Trossard poked the visitors in front after Casemiro failed to play Kai Havertz offside, it seemed unlikely the Red Devils would get something from the game.
Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund were toothless in a lacklustre United attack which mustered just two shots on target.
There were positives however with Diogo Dalot and Andre Onana performing well against the league leaders.
Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United display.
Andre Onana – 7
Let down by his defenders for Arsenal goal – decent second-half stop from Martin Odegaard and a better one to keep out Gabriel Martinelli.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Bright start with a surging run and another shot over the bar. Did a good job keeping Bukayo Saka quiet and linked up well with Garnacho.
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Casemiro – 5
So slow to get out as Onana cleared and Arsenal exploited it to score the opener. Better than he was at Palace but the damage was done.
Jonny Evans – 7
Soldiered on manfully when he clearly had a knock in the second half – but eventually gave way for Kambwala.
Veteran did a good job for his boss.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Seemed to lose Trossard as he scored the first goal but otherwise did a good job on the Belgian. Great block to deny Rice in the second half.
Sofyan Amrabat – 6
Not played much recently but was better than expected. A couple of eye-catching passes to spread the play and some important interceptions.
Scott McTominay – 6
Great early ball to give Hojlund a chance and another to set up Garnacho.
The Scot did his best to open up the well-organised visitors defence.
Amad Diallo – 7
A very rare start and gave the Red Devils such much needed urgency.
Great run into the box could have won his team a pen. Injury forced him off.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Some quality touches from the youngster and tried to keep the home side ticking over but could not create much against the well drilled Gunners.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
Looked most likely to score for United – early shot deflected over and another into the side-netting. Caused Ben White a few problems.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Just one goal since he returned from injury – fluffed a great early chance when he slipped. Well shackled by William Saliba and Gabriel for most of the game.
Subs
Antony (for Diallo, 70mins) – 5
Wasted one good chance.
Kambwala (for Evans, 74mins) – 5
Slotted in effectively. One brilliant crunching tackle.
Wheatley (for Hojlund, 87mins) – 5
Did not make much impact.
Eriksen (for Amrabat, 87 mins) – 5
Too late to change the game.
Forson (for Wan-Bissaka, 87mins) – 5
One or two nice touches.