ASHLEY YOUNG BELIEVES Manchester United were let down by the match officials and their finishing during a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.
The Red Devils arrived at Emirates Stadium brimming with confidence on the back of their stunning Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain.
They also boasted an unbeaten Premier League record under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but the Norwegian was to suffer his first domestic setback during a forgettable afternoon in north London.
Granit Xhaka surprised David de Gea with an early strike which deceived the United goalkeeper, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang doubled the Gunners’ advantage from the penalty spot.
Young is not convinced that he should have been given that opportunity, with Alexandre Lacazette taking a rather theatrical tumble after coming into contract with Fred inside the box.
“From where I was I don’t think it’s a penalty,” the United captain told BBC Sport.
Young added on the Red Devils’ performance as a whole, with Romelu Lukaku missing a number of chances that he would have snapped up on another day: “Disappointing, especially when you create so many chances.
“On another day we take those chances and we could be two or three up at half-time. Against top teams you get punished.”
Defeat against a fellow top-four hopeful has dropped United out of the Champions League places.
They now sit fifth in the Premier League table, two points behind Arsenal and three adrift of Tottenham.
While frustrated to have suffered a setback on the road, Young believes there is plenty of cause of positivity in the Red Devils camp.
A testing start to the season under Jose Mourinho had left them well off the pace and facing up to the threat of a humbling finish well behind the race for a Champions League spot.
To now be very much in the hunt shows have far the club have come in a short space of time, with Young adding: “I know the character and team spirit we have.
“We’ve turned things around – where we were in October we’d have taken where we are now, but as a club we should be pushing higher up the league.”
United will not be in Premier League action again until March 30, when they play host to Watford, with an FA Cup quarter-final clash with Wolves set to carry them into the international break.
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Really tight between IRL and FRA but I’m going for IRL based on home advantage in the head to head. GS to boot.
Ireland. Slam. Sláinte.
A brief dip in form in the Autumn after 4 years of constant top quality rugby Inc summer Lions, NZ, SA tours but everyone is now fit and playing well. Competition for position with options left out of the squad if required for injuries. Nothing is certain but we are in a great position.
France.
@Carmine Lorenzo: Oh u of little faith
@Noel Lynn: Just being realistic. They have Dupont and Ntamack back. We were poor in the autumn. Faz isn’t here… Wouldn’t be surprised if we were 3rd or 4th. But hopefully I’m wrong!
@Carmine Lorenzo: ray ridge is effecting you lol but ya i hope your wrong too but france will be fave’s
Ireland, but I would have preferred Andy in the driving seat!!
With Dupont and Ntamack together again I just think they’ll be too strong.
I don’t Ireland will change things up too much with Farrell out and it feels like other teams have managed to counter our attack to some extent. Maybe the new direct around kick chaser will help though as I feel Ireland are good under the auld box kick
@Luke mc govern: we’ve beaten them before with Dupont and N’tamak. Yes they’ll be much stronger than the team we trashed in Marseille but I still just about fancy us.
@Luke mc govern: Yes ireland need to try few different things if they cant break teams down like kicking more
Ireland