Manchester United and Arsenal shared an exciting 1-1 draw in the Premier League as both sides eye each other up ahead of a hopeful title challenge next season.
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Herrera goal v Arsenal
Both sides struggled on a slippy turf during the opening stages, but it was United who broke the deadlock in the first-half.
Ashley Young—one of the game’s outstanding individuals and a key figure for Louis van Gaal in recent weeks—sent a fine cross into the box which was finished with aplomb by Ander Herrera on 30 minutes.
However, Arsenal did not despair after falling behind, and despite lacking inspiration and creativity in the midfield, they still managed several forays forward.
One such attack brought this moment of brave…and somewhat reckless…defending from Phil Jones.
Having called for Theo Walcott, the Arsenal fans eventually got their wish, and it was the England international who dragged the Gunners back into the match.
The Liverpool target was a lively presence and his harrying and hassling forced Tyler Blackett into an error, with the young defender deflecting the ball past his own goalkeeper with only eight minutes remaining.
It may also have been a day of farewells at Old Trafford. Before the match, David De Gea appeared to say his goodbyes to the four corners of the stadium as rumours about a potential summer move to Real Madrid continue to swirl.
Similarly, there was something of an apologetic farewell from Radamel Falcao, who has replaced in the second period.
While this was one of the Colombian’s better showings in a United shirt, he continued to miss the sharpness that characterised the earlier, pre-injury portion of his career.
United were also treated to a second-half cameo from debutant and World Cup winner, Victor Valdes.