Dejected Man Utd return home by train after Arsenal defeat dents top-four bid and ends Solskjaer’s unbeaten run

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men got back to Manchester late last night after the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates

Joshua Jones

Published: 9:24, 11 Mar 2019
Updated: 9:25, 11 Mar 2019

Sponsored by

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER'S Manchester United stars cut dejected figures as they arrive home by train last night after their 2-0 loss to Arsenal.

The Red Devils slipped out of the top four after the defeat with the race to qualify for the Champions League looking set to go to the wire.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his side got back to Manchester late last night after the defeat to ArsenalCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

David De Gea was keen to keep his head down after his error gifted the Gunners a 12th-minute leadCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

After his clanger in the first half, David De Gea kept a low profile as he headed through the station just before 11pm with his team-mates.

The usually brilliant Spanish goalkeeper managed to let Granit Xhaka's speculative effort swerve past him to give the hosts a 12th-minute lead.

However, interim boss Solskjaer was unwilling to blame his stopper.

The Norwegian said: "I don’t class it as a mistake by De Gea.

Marcus Rashford struggled to penetrate the hosts' defence and was not too bothered about getting his tie perfect for the journey homeCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

Assistant Michael Carrick could do nothing to prevent Arsenal leapfrogging United into fourth with eight games leftCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

"I was stood right behind the ball and we don’t put enough pressure on Xhaka, who must be Brazilian by the way.

"He’s struck the ball from outside the area and it swerves and moves. It goes to David’s left and changes direction completely.

"David is disappointed every time he concedes a goal but he’s been absolutely fantastic for us."

Meanwhile Chris Smalling would have been pleased to get home after a difficult afternoon.

Chris Smalling was shoved by an Arsenal fan in the aftermath to the second goal at the EmiratesCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

Fred had a difficult afternoon as he hit the post and then gave away a penalty on a rare startCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

The United defender was at the centre of another pitch invasion storm as an Arsenal fan ran on to the field and pushed him following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's penalty.

Fred - given a rare start for the Red Devils - also had a day to forget after striking the post from distance and then bundling Alexandre Lacazette to the ground for the spot-kick.

But Solskjaer was unconvinced by Jon Moss' decision.

He added: "I don’t think it’s a penalty and the referee will be disappointed when he sees it again.