Arsenal Vs Manchester United: 5 things we learned – Hope in despair

Arsenal travelled to Manchester United for the last time in Arsene Wenger’s reign on Sunday afternoon. Here are five things we learned from the 2-1 loss.

Arsenal may have lost to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon in what was Arsene Wenger’s final time managing at Old Trafford, but there was much to hope for in the future as the processionary mood reflected on the past. The youthful team battled hard in a 2-1 loss, playing some neat and tidy football, allied with a turn of character and grit that is often questioned. It may not have been enough on the day, but it did at least inspire a little positivity moving forward.

Catch the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast right here

Here are five things we learned.

5. The Europa League is Arsene Wenger’s goodbye

As soon as the playing squad was announced during the week, it was clear what Arsene Wenger’s intentions were for this fixture. Shkodran Mustafi, Laurent Koscielny, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette. None were involved. And for good reason.

While Old Trafford is a special place in the Wenger adventure and Manchester United is always a team that Arsenal want to beat — perhaps a little more than others –, this was a game that Wenger was happy to sacrifice in favour of Thursday night’s crucial second leg against Atletico Madrid.

With the tie nicely balanced at 1-1, Arsenal must go to Madrid and do what no team has done since late January. Score. They have the talent. They now have the rest. But can they do it when it truly matters most? If the players want to give Wenger the goodbye that he deserves, then they have no choice but to.