PL: Manchester United 3 - 2 Arsenal
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 800th goal of his career as Manchester United came from behind to beat Arsenal in a thrilling match.
New United interim boss Ralf Rangnick and former England captain David Beckham both enjoyed a thrilling encounter
Emile Smith Rowe drove home from the edge of the area, while United keeper David de Gea was lying on the ground, seemingly injured, with his back to play. The inevitable VAR check said De Gea had fallen after bumping into and being trodden on by his own teammate Fred. The referee Martin Atkinson eventually gave the goal.
Bruno Fernandes levelled finished off an intricate move involving Jadon Sancho and Fred a minute before the break, setting up a pulsating second half.
Ronaldo then put United ahead as he swept home Marcus Rashford's cross. Martin Odegaard quickly made it 2-2 with a well-taken equaliser.
Atkinson then gave United a penalty after reviewing Odegaard's challenge on Fred on a pitchside monitor - and Ronaldo kept his nerve to score.
Very happy to become the first football player to score more than 800 official goals. What an amazing and unforgettable run this is becoming… Thank you to all my supporters for always standing by my side. 801 and still counting!🙏🏽👊🏽 pic.twitter.com/1UqngjqE8V
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 3, 2021
United ultimately won the match and there was another big announcement to come.
Michael Carrick departs
After the match it was announced that Michael Carrick had decided to step down as First Team Coach and leave the club following the conclusion of his spell as caretaker Manager.
In a statement on the Manchester United website, John Murtough said: “Michael leaves with the sincerest thanks and best wishes of everyone at Manchester United after 15 years of exceptional service to the club as a player and as a coach. While we are sad to see him go, we respect and understand Michael’s decision.
Michael Carrick steps down: pic.twitter.com/SDoDthjIsv
— The Red Devils (@Chris_Lawro_) December 3, 2021
Michael Carrick added: “My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career. When I first signed over 15 years ago, I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined winning so many trophies and I will certainly never forget the fantastic memories both as a player and as a member of the coaching team."
Arsenal reaction
💬 "When the game was there at 2-2, and we were in our best moment and had total control and dominance of the game, that’s when you have to give the next step and go and win the match..."
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 3, 2021
Mikel on #MUNARS 👇
