Manchester United continued their scintillating form under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as they beat Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates stadium to advance to the 5th round of the FA Cup
Former Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard found the net to put the visitors 2 up within 33 minutes. However, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang gave the Gunners hope as he pulled one back right on the cusp of half time. The Gunners gave it all in the second half but were unable to find the equalizer. Anthony Martial’s strike on the 82nd minute sealed the victory for Solskjaer’s men.
Manchester United have now won all 8 of their games that Solskjaer has overseen. Romelu Lukaku produced one of his best performances this season and was the Man of the Match. He setup both of United’s first half goals. Lukaku revealed the chat he had with Sanchez ahead of their game vs Arsenal,
“I told him yesterday in training listen ‘you will score tomorrow I will give you the ball just run and I will find you,'” Lukaku told MUTV.
“I think he could see I was looking at him and he made the right run and it was a brilliant finish from him.”
Lukaku was deployed in a wide right position, something that he has done for Belgium but never before for Manchester United. It turned out to be a masterstroke from Solskjaer.
I think it was the manager’s idea to play me there after seeing me play for Belgium there a couple of times,” Lukaku added. “I have to take my chances and I take them every day at a time and I’m ready whenever the manager wants me.
“He said before the game we need to dominate and work hard and the result will come and it did, I think Arsenal tried to play their game but defensively we were really focused and offensively on the break we were dangerous and I’m happy with the win.”
Author’s Take
Manchester United fans would be over the moon on seeing the likes of Lukaku and Sanchez gaining form ahead of a really crucial period for the Red Devils.
