Manchester United player ratings vs Arsenal as five 'heroic' 8/10s shine in famous win

Manchester United produced a resolute defensive performance for the ages as they defeated Arsenal on penalties in the third round of the FA Cup. Ruben Amorim made two changes from the team that drew at Anfield as Altay Bayindir and Alejandro Garnacho came in from the start, with Andre Onana and Amad Diallo both named on the bench.

Arsenal controlled the majority of the match and had a goal correctly ruled out for offside when Gabriel Martinelli fired beyond the United second-choice goalkeeper. Kobbie Mainoo tested David Raya with a speculative low effort in what was United’s only faint threat during a quiet the first half.

United had every right to feel aggrieved at the poor officiating throughout, with Bruno Fernandes booked just before half-time when he protested the incorrect decision not to award him a clear free-kick on the edge of the Arsenal box.

It wasn’t long before Fernandes was celebrating though, when he fired United ahead a few minutes after the restart with an excellent finish after a brilliant assist from Alejandro Garnacho. The goal sparked Arsenal back into life but they wasted a couple of glorious opportunities to equalise through a combination of poor finishing by Kai Havertz and excellent defending from Maguire.

United were digging deep before the match unravelled in a couple of minutes. Diogo Dalot was sent off for a second yellow card before Gabriel equalised when his low effort deflected off Matthijs de Ligt and beyond the helpless Bayindir.

Arsenal were soon handed the chance to go ahead when referee Andrew Madley awarded a scandalous penalty following Havertz’s dive in the box, only for Bayindir to redeem himself with a sensational stop to deny Martin Odegaard from the spot. The Turkish ‘keeper pulled off another impressive stop to keep out a Declan Rice header from close range.

De Ligt shone in extra-time with a heroic block and a goal-line clearance to keep his side level and Joshua Zirkzee forced a brilliant stop from Raya to force an unlikely penalty shootout for a place in the fourth round.

Bayindir produced more heroics to deny Havertz from the spot and play his part in a historic victory. Here is how we rated the United players:

Altay Bayindir - 8

His distribution was an issue throughout as United struggled to play out from the back. Nothing he could do about the goal before an exceptional penalty save and some other important stops late on.

Matthijs de Ligt - 8

An impressive individual performance with some good recovery work. He helped put Kai Havertz off as he missed a sitter and dug deep for his side with some important blocks. He went up a notch in extra-time.

Harry Maguire - 8

United’s best player. He was often the last line of defence with crucial blocks and interceptions. A scandalous penalty decision against him.

Lisandro Martinez - 7

Picked up a needless yellow card for a clumsy elbow on Gabriel Jesus but was resolute as always. A warrior for his side.

Noussair Mazraoui - 6

Made a few good blocks when Arsenal were on top and continued to perform well when asked to swap wings in the second-half.

Diogo Dalot - 4

Lost the ball far too easily on a couple of occasions. A moronic second yellow card cost his team after they had taken the lead.

Manuel Ugarte - 7

Another tenacious midfield performance though his passing was a little basic at times. He gave United the fight they needed in midfield.

Kobbie Mainoo - 6

He continued his fine form after an impressive few weeks. A few decent attacking moments and he defended well overall.

Alejandro Garnacho - 7

A few driving runs from deep and produced an excellent assist to give his side the lead against the run of play. A welcome return to the line up.

Bruno Fernandes - 8

An exceptional finish after what had been a rather frustrating performance. United’s talisman in attack once again on a day when others lacked threat.

Rasmus Hojlund - 5

An isolated figure in attack and struggled with his hold-up play. He did little with the ball when he had it but showed some improvement in the second-half.

Toby Collyer - 7

He gave United energy from the bench and it was telling that he was chosen ahead of Casemiro. His presence was felt at both ends of the pitch.

Amad Diallo - 7

It was an unenviable task to come on when his side was a man down and on the back foot but he still offered a threat when he got the ball.

Joshua Zirkzee - 8

An excellent piece of hold-up play gave United hope on the break before he scuffed a weak effort at goal. He made a great recovery tackle on the edge of his box.

Tyrell Malacia - 6

United had good balance with him on the pitch in extra time and he defended well against Raheem Sterling.

Leny Yoro - 7

Another encouraging performance from the summer signing in what were unfavourable circumstances from the bench.