---
title: "Arsenal 3-0 Man United: Four Things We Learned"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/10/04/arsenal-3-0-man-united-four-things-learned/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd Match Reports"
published: "2015-10-04T19:37:56Z"
modified: "2015-10-04T19:37:56Z"
---

# Arsenal 3-0 Man United: Four Things We Learned

In a game that could have returned Manchester United to the top of the Premier League, it was instead an embarrassing day for the red devils as the game at Arsenal became the first time United conceded three goals in the first half of a premier league game. With many poor individual performances, here are four things we learned from today’s crushing defeat.

**Rooney and Memphis need to be dropped**

The performances of Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay against Arsenal were on the verge of atrocious. Memphis spent the first half mostly anonymous as rarely had any impact on the match, while Rooney was constantly misplacing passes or greeting balls with a heavy first touch to immediately lose possession again. In a game where United were so far down in so little time, they needed their forwards to really step up and show what they had, only to be disappointed with what was displayed. With Wayne Rooney being captain and Memphis, the new ‘number 7 shirt’, they may perhaps see themselves as un-droppables… they are wrong. Louis van Gaal needs to give these players a game or two off, not only to recover but to let them know that if they can’t perform at the expected level, they can’t play at all.

****Darmian’s** inconsistency is costing United points**

Darmian started off the pre-season fixtures and opening three games of the season brilliantly, showing a great mixture of defence and offence and I myself said that the right back position was firmly is, with Valencia just a bench-warmer. However for the past few weeks we’ve seen a different Darmian who not only offers nothing going forward, but is making crucial errors resulting in opposition goals, as was the case today against Arsenal.

Darmian was supposed to be marking Sanchez for the first goal and simply let him run on through unchallenged as he cheekily urged the ball into the net at United’s near post. He was also at fault again for Arsenals third, again Sanchez as he makes a poor attempt at tackling Sanchez as he glides past him to fire in the top corner. Things improved as Valencia replaced Darmian at half time and perhaps the right back position is up for grabs if performances don’t improve.

![Julian Finney/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/10/491287140.jpg)

**Schneiderlin doesn’t belong sitting on the bench**

When I saw the starting XI against Arsenal I’ll admit I was surprised to see Carrick and Schweinsteiger starting with Schneiderlin on the bench, given the fact Carrick is just back from injury and Schweinsteiger has played alot of games recently despite still not being 100% fit. As Schweinsteiger pushed further up the pitch to compete with Carzola, United often looked vulnerable defensively and paid the price with three goals in 20 minutes and sealed United’s fate there and then. Schneiderlin is a great young talent who deserves to be part of the starting XI as he is the better defensively out of the three, often filling in as a third centre back whenever United’s full backs go forward. In a game where Arsenal’s pacey attacks were causing havoc to United’s defence, perhaps Schneiderlin could’ve been the rock to help block those attacks with his younger age and quicker pace to take on play-makers Carzola and Ozil.

**United need to bolster their defence in January**

Since Luke Shaw has become sidelined, United have looked more vulnerable at the back due to not having a legitimate left back to replace Shaw. Instead we have seen Young, Darmian, Rojo and Blind all occupy the left back role with none looking impressive or confident. As well as that, against Arsenal, Blind once again looked incapable of handling top class forwards. In a similar situation against Gomis in the Swansea game, Blind was far too easily beaten by Sanchez and Walcott and repeatedly left a gap in United’s defence. Ideally in the winter transfer window, United should reinforce their defence with another centre back and left back, however it is vital at least one of these are bought, otherwise I fear United’s defence will be stretched too far and cost us the season.