Although the result against Arsenal should have been better, it's fair to say that United produced one of their most impressive performances so far this season. The late equaliser rather ruined the mood surrounding the game, but here we look at three positives that United fans should take from a very strong showing by Mourinho's men.
After spending the first few months of the season discussing "how to get the best out of Paul Pogba", Mourinho may finally have found the answer. Starting with Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba in front of Michael Carrick, the trio seemed to give the team a much needed balance in midfield. Pogba and Herrera were allowed to get forward and join the attack, causing problems for the Arsenal defence, whilst Michael Carrick offered composure and stability in front of an unfamiliar back four. Having Carrick in the side aided United's defensive organisation, with Herrera and Pogba giving United a greater attacking threat. This showed throughout much of the game and played a huge part in the United goal. Pogba and Herrera were both able to push forward into the attacking third, and linked up before providing the assist for Juan Mata.
2) Mata made for the big occasions
Juan Mata scored his third goal of the Premier League season. The Spaniard who arrived from Chelsea with a massive price tag, has certainly proved that he is the man for the big occasions during his spell at Old Trafford. With winning goals already in games against Man City and Liverpool, along with a vital equaliser in last seasons F.A. Cup final, he drilled in the opener against Arsenal to add to the list. Although this didn't turn out to be the winning goal, it just goes to show how important Mata has become on the big occasions for United. This can only bode well for the future matches against the other top teams in the league where Mata will hope to keep his run of good form going.
3) Life after Zlatan/Rooney looks bright
United started the game against Arsenal with Zlatan Ibrahimovic missing through suspension and Wayne Rooney on the bench. The "front six" of the team was filled with an energy and pace that has sometimes been lacking for United so far this season. Although they may not of had their best matches in a United shirt, Rashford and Martial are the future of the United attack once Zlatan and Rooney have left the club. With the likes of Pogba, they will look to develop into key figures in what promises to be a strong, quick and energetic United team in the future.
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