Arsenal - 12th May 2024

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With Arsenal chasing the title in great form and United's injury woes showing no sign of improvement, I feared another 4-0 defeat from yesterdays game. Thankfully, Ten Hag set his team up to play a lot tighter than they have in recent weeks, his hand was probably forced by the aforementioned injuries though.

United huffed and puffed but created little upfront. Diallo looked to be in the mood, Garnacho was full of his usual direct running and energy, but did either create anything for Hojlund?

The lack of service to the Dane is extremely worrying. Gary Neville touched on it in his commentary yesterday, questioning if either the Dane, or the wide players, know when they are expected to run or play the ball in.

Hojlund can run 100 metres in 11 seconds flat. Surely United should therefore be playing the ball in quickly to maximize his fast feet to get ahead of defenders - either by playing it quickly in behind, or getting it in sharp from out wide.

Arsenal didn't really need to push on from second gear. Although they must have been keen to bag a second goal to put the game to bed, United didn't truly threaten.

The heavens opened towards the end of the game and an almighty deluge engulfed Old Trafford with rainwater pouring off (and through) the roof and running down the stairs like rivers. It's not just the team that need investment and improvement.

So United limp (literally) on towards the FA Cup Final. Next up is Newcastle at Old Trafford. United could go level on points with a victory , but we have a -4 goal difference, while the Geordies have +22.

Can United somehow get a win to generate some momentum into the last leaguegame of the season and the cup final? It doesn't look likely!

photo from United Shirts - 10 minutes after full-time


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