It was enough to secure United a much-needed victory in what was Michael Carrick’s final game at the club
Report as Cristiano Ronaldo scores his 800th career goal to help Man Utd to victory; new United interim boss Ralf Rangnick watches from stands; Smith Rowe scores the controversial opener for Arsenal; Fernandes and Ronaldo turn game around, Odegaard levels before Ronaldo’s penalty secures win.
Watched from the stands by new interim boss Ralf Rangnick, who has been granted his permit to begin work at United, the hosts found themselves behind early on after Emile Smith Rowe’s controversial opener (13).
The England international’s shot found the back of the net with David de Gea down injured after his ankle was stood on by team-mate Fred, but with referee Martin Atkinson not blowing his whistle, the goal was eventually given after a VAR check.
United hit back through Bruno Fernandes just before the break before Ronaldo’s landmark goal turned the game on its head seven minutes into the second half.
In what was a topsy-turvy game, Arsenal found their own response just two minutes later through Martin Odegaard, but goal 800 was quickly followed by 801 as Ronaldo converted from the penalty spot after Odegaard was penalised for a foul on Fred following another VAR check.
It was enough to secure United a much-needed victory in what was Michael Carrick’s final game at the club:Â an announcement came shortly after the final whistle confirming Carrick had chosen to step down from his role as first-team coach following the conclusion of his spell as caretaker manager.
The victory sees United, who ended a run of four games without a win in the league at Old Trafford, move up to seventh ahead of Rangnick’s first game in charge against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
United are now two points behind fifth-placed Arsenal, whose fifth defeat of the season meant they missed out on the opportunity to move into the top four. (Sky Sports)
