Fernandes scored the goal but this United star was the real hero in FA Cup triumph over Arsenal

Manchester United Here are our player ratings from the game.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Altay Bayindir 8 – A bit shaky, especially in the first half and he should have done better with his punch for Arsenal’s equaliser. Excellent penalty save after Arsenal were handed what seemed like a very dodgy penalty by the referee. Made another brilliant save moments after to keep out a header from Declan Rice. Rice nearly won it at the death of regular time but Bayindir got low enough to thwart the midfield for a second time. Saved Harvetz’s penalty kick to all but send United to the next round of the competition. Heroic!

Matthijs de Ligt 7.5 – Good performance and barely put a foot wrong. Produced two massive blocks in extra time to deny Arsenal the go-ahead goal.

Harry Maguire 7.5 – Imperious defensive display! Got his head to everything that Arsenal delivered into the box. Came up with several crucial blocks and challenges that denied the hosts and kept United in the game. Conceded a penalty but that certainly seems to have been a massive error in judgement by the referee.

Lisandro Martinez 7 – Decent overall. Unfortunate to be booked for a tackle that was never a foul. Passing and distribution were fantastic as is usually the case.

Noussair Mazraoui 6.5 – Did well to silence Gabriel Martinelli in the first half and set up a good chance before the break. Went over the the left in the second period of the match and picked up where he left off.

Manuel Ugarte 7 – Continuing his good form for United. Busy in midfield. It was nice to see him stick up for Maguire in the ensuing melee after Andrew Madley’s controversial penalty call.

Kobbie Mainoo 6.5 – One of United’s better players in possession. Also did well to maintain the defensive shape when the Gunners had the ball. Forced David Raya into a simple save during the opening 45 minutes.

Diogo Dalot 1 – Let his teammates down while they were in the driving seat after he was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence. Stupid to dive into such a challenge while already on a yellow card.

Alejandro Garnacho 7 – Struggled to impact the game from the right but he was much better in the second period, the highlight of which was a sensational run and assist for United’s opening strike.

Bruno Fernandes 8 – Crashed a superb effort past Raya to give United his side the lead. Worked hard.

Rasmus Hojlund 2 – Another laboured and hopeless outing for the Danish striker. Simply didn’t offer enough. Failed to make the ball stick when it was played forward to him. Didn’t at all trouble the Arsenal central defenders.

Substitutes

Joshua Zirkzee 7 – Powerful run in the middle of the park before passing it to Amad, who almost created a good chance for United. Some amazing hold-up play from the Netherlands international. Nearly restored United’s advantage in the second half of extra time but Raya got a hand to it.

Toby Collyer 6.5 – Good when he came on. Injected much-needed energy and legs on the pitch. Kept possession well and ensured United weren’t overrun.

Amad Diallo 7 – Also bright when he was thrust into the action. Played a wonderful pass to Zirkzee in the second half of extra time that almost resulted in a goal for United.

Tyrell Malacia 6 – OK performance. Secure against Raheem Sterling.

Leny Yoro 6 – Came in for Maguire and helped get United over the line.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images


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Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

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