Manchester United rocked back and forth in what seemed like a high-octane encounter with both team’s defence coming apart at the seams at the slightest cue of incursion.
United conceded a bizarre and hilarious opening goal when Fred ended up stamping over David De Gea as the latter went down in pain. Even before Martin Atkinson could barely realize what was unfolding and before he could blow his whistle to stop the sequence of play, Emile Smith Rowe battered the ball into an empty net.
The event that galvanized Manchester United to action
Even though Atkinson did blow the whistle to stop the proceedings, after VAR intervened, the goal stood. However, conceding the goal did a world of good to help United back on their feet as they were seething at the decision and Manchester United turned the rage into passionate optimism as they started hitting Gunners back, led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo carved open an early opportunity for himself as he dropped a shoulder and threw two Arsenal defenders to the ground before dragging his effort wide.
Rashford had another opportunity presented to him as he scampered past a tardy Arsenal defence but his shot raged past the woodwork with Ramsdale being a mere spectator.
The man who was culpable for Arsenal’s opening goal, Sancho pounced on a miffed effort from Ben White and set it on the stride of Fred who chronicled an ingenious pass to a surging Bruno Fernandes. Bruno, who was playing his 100th game for Manchester United, who has been a beacon of hope for the Devils ever since his arrival, set himself up perfectly and hammered home a clinical blast.
United started the second half with more intent and they were rewarded handsome dividends. After Ronaldo missed an early enterprise in the opening minutes after the breather, he made amends for the botched-up effort with Manchester’s second of the night.
As Rashford was slipped with a fine slicing pass from Dalot, he sent in a scouring cross for a marauding Ronaldo who slammed home to chart the course for Manchester United in the remaining minutes.
It wasn’t smooth sailing however for the Devils, as the Gunners restored parity through Martin Odegaard who was unchallenged as he flipped in Thomas Partey’s cross into the back of the net with extreme prejudice.
The drama was far from over as Manchester and Arsenal were playing one of the most oscillating games of the season. Not being dented by Arsenal’s equalizer, Manchester United kept on knocking at the doors.
On one such foray, Fred found his way in the box and before he could wriggle free with the ball, he was clipped by Arsenal’s goal-scorer, Odegaard. Despite Atkinson refusing to bat an eye, VAR reprimanded the referee and asked him to overturn his decision.
Ronaldo stepped up and blasted the ball into the back of the net to clinch his second, Manchester United’s third and his 801st goal of his career.
Despite Arsenal being presented with a couple of opportunities at the other end, Manchester United’s defence held tight. There were signs of lapse from Harry Maguire but the others chipped in with enormous helping efforts to plug the gap for United. Twitter exploded in happiness as Manchester United returned to winning ways.
🗣️ "I love this place you know, I'm a fan, a supporter… My son is still pestering me to take him to an away game!" 🔴@MattCritchley1 speaks to Michael Carrick, following his decision to leave the club upon conclusion of his spell as caretaker Manager.#beINPL #MUFC pic.twitter.com/gGS4K3udwn
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) December 2, 2021
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Ronaldo has scored in all four of #mufc's league wins since he rejoined (three of them winners). Scored six in five in the Champions League, with his goals responsible for all 10 of United's points in Group F.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) December 2, 2021
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What a journey its been for Ronaldo to reach 8️⃣0️⃣1️⃣ goals and counting… 🐐
What is your all time favorite Ronaldo goal? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ThQDu0BQqR
Advertisement— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 2, 2021
This angle of Manchester United celebrating Ronaldo's goal 🔥
Advertisement(via @fredcaldeira)pic.twitter.com/KSlIlxiomL
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 2, 2021
Ben White failing to stop Ronaldo with a Spinaroonie. pic.twitter.com/IB4E7YnV9n
— Stephen Drennan (@babuyagu) December 2, 2021
.@carras16 on @Cristiano: 'He's been terrific this week, especially for me, the things I've asked of him and the way he's gone about his business around the place, he's been absolutely top drawer. No surprise he goes and scores again tonight. Perfect ending really.' #mufc pic.twitter.com/rBauT46Lk8
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) December 3, 2021
Manchester United's current and future no.7s.@Cristiano x @Sanchooo10 🥶 pic.twitter.com/QaFvgGWl6M
— UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) December 2, 2021
Always a class act as a player and continued that as interim manager.
Whatever you choose to do next I wish you the best @carras16 ❤️@ManUtd pic.twitter.com/H93R4DlI4r— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 2, 2021
