Sebastian Fernandes (right) will replace Roberto Mancini

But the Argentinian’s absence was a problem which meant that, while he continued to play, it left his squad further exposed as they struggled to cope.

PFA Player of the Year Hugo Lloris made a dramatic return to first-team action for United and, to an extent, did so successfully.

And the goalkeeper’s recent displays suggested that he was back to his prolific best.

Mignolet’s error helped Arsenal cause United problems over the course of the match and the Belgian’s lack of preparation, combined with his lack of fluency at times, meant that he was forced to make a series of poor decisions which were costly as the game went on.

United were fortunate to see their lead held without making it any longer, but they should have done better to come from behind against an opponent who have been very disciplined to prevent defeat this season.

Manchester United: Van Gaal; Blind, Smalling, Fellaini, Kagawa, Young; Rashford, Schneiderlin; Hernandez, Cleverley; Herrera, Herrera, Antonio Valencia, Rashford.

Subs Not Used: Zieler, Smalling, Blind.

Booked: Herrera (64).

Arsenal: Mertesacker; Rosicky, Koscielny, Flamini, Walcott; Sanchez, Dann; Sanchez (Coutinho), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla; Szczesny (Manolas), Podolski.

Subs Not Used: Monreal, Podolski, Wilshere.

Booked: Sanchez (59).

Man City United score twice in first half

Manchester City 2-0 Manchester United Manchester City 2-0 Manchester United

Daley Blind came off the bench as he replaced Phil Jones but not before he had seen a number of first-teamers thrown out of the match with what appeared to be a questionable tackle which looked likely to result in a booking.

While he made some promising saves, such as his diving header against a header from Alex Buttner, he allowed the ball to come to his head but his reaction on seeing it went a little further than you might want to see when getting into position to make a save.

It may have been a mistake which may not have been a huge deal with other players