With both sides already booked in for Champions League football, today’s game at Old Trafford was always going to be a little odd. You could tell from the off that the sides were not quite at full tilt, however, it was hosts who took control early on, with Ander Herrera opening the scores.From there they bossed it until the last 10 minutes, when Theo Walcott’s cross deflected in past Victor Valdes.There were many talking points though, including David de Gea’s waves at the crowd (his last game at the Theatre of Dreams?), Arsenal’s failure to register a shot in the first 45 minutes and Phil Jones’ headed sliding tackle… but here are the THREE things we took from the game.[interaction ]
Falcao is off
Manchester United fans have been nothing but patient with Radamel Falcao. Even when he’s been off the pace and unable to finish, they’ve cheered him, backed him and willed him to find the net. However, it’s fair to say it hasn’t worked out, and he was poor once again today. Keeping the 29-year-old would not be cheap – both in terms of a fee and wages – and it appears he knows his own fate. Falcao made a point of waving to the crowd as he was subbed off.
The Stretford End salute @D_DeGea #MUFC #MatchdayMac pic.twitter.com/Kj3K6inW97
— Full Time DEVILS (@FullTimeDEVILS) May 17, 2015
Third spot is Arsenal’s
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United led for much of match and looked on course to leapfrog the Gunners into third, but a late Theo Walcott deflected cross beat Victor Valdes to hand the travellers a draw. The result leaves Wenger’s side two points above their enemies, and with a game in hand against Leicester – who are already safe – they could have it all wrapped up by midweek. The Londoners goal difference, seven greater than United’s, is also effectively another point.
Herrera is key for United
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While Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao stole the transfer headlines at Manchester United last summer, it’s been Ander Herrera who has truly impressed. The Spaniard has developed into the key man in LVG’s midfield, with his neat passing and energy vital in the high pressing, transition football being deployed.
He netted the winner at Old Trafford today, and looked classy throughout the 90 minutes.