Man Utd handed humbling reminder as glaring weaknesses laid bare in Arsenal defeat

Manchester United's title challenge started and ended in the same week as Erik ten Hag's side quickly realised they are not yet up to standard following a 3-2 defeat at Arsenal

They'll be back.

Maybe not this season. Eleven points behind Arsenal with a game in hand for the Gunners is some gap to wipe out. But Erik ten Hag and his Manchester United players will bounce back from this, their first defeat in any competition since October and the end of their ten-match unbeaten run.

And in the end they really did miss Casemiro. Scott McTominay hoofing it is no substitute for the Brazilian’s ability to find a team-mate with a considered pass.

Fred fared little better when he came on, late on. Games like these require leaders, winners, contributions of the kind four-time title winner Oleksandr Zinchenko was able to provide for Arsenal.

Yes, United were able to beat Arsenal without him at Old Trafford. But here at the Emirates it was a different story and a reminder that the Reds need more depth. More transfer windows. More quality if they want to climb back to the summit.

For all the optimism of their 21 wins in 29 games in all competitions this season, United melted when the going got tough and the opportunity presented itself to gatecrash this season’s title race.

Yes, there were moments aplenty here where they had Red hearts racing. Not least when Marcus Rashford rammed in his 20th goal for club and country this season and his ninth in his last nine games.

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When Lisandro Martinez stooped to head in the leveller for 2-2 in a packed penalty area. And even when David de Gea, shaky for Bukayo Saka ’s sizzling strike, made amends with that fabulous late save from Man of the Match Eddie Nketiah.

But United were too lightweight in the middle of the park. And here’s the bigger picture: that’s two games in a row now that United have conceded late. One point from six in a week against Palace and Arsenal is a chastening reminder that they need more.

Spurs should worry. Currently in disarray, the north Londoners are ripe for a big offer for Harry Kane who has a year left on his contract. Bring him in this month, bench Wieghorst and welcome back Casemiro and suddenly United would have a squeak for this season.

The reality, however, is that they remain another transfer window away from the big time. Reading in the FA Cup on Saturday should be a formality at home.

So too Forest in the Carabao Cup semi-finals (let’s not kid ourselves). But it’s the Premier League where Ten Hag needs to flex going forward.

It’s the home games against Crystal Palace and Leeds where United need to rediscover their mojo. The pain from this past week should provide all the inspiration they need.