Aubameyang leveller adds to United woes

PREMIER LEAGUE: Point leaves United facing worst start to league season for 30 years

MANCHESTER UNITED 1 ARSENAL 1

Pierre-emerick Aubameyang had an equaliser awarded by VAR as Manchester United and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

While close decisions have dominated the conversation around the technology, the type of blatant mistake that saw Aubameyang flagged offside in the 58th minute is what the system was introduced to eliminate.

United had taken the lead just before half-time through Scott Mctominay’s first goal at Old Trafford, a fine strike from outside the box, and the game did improve after a drab start.

But the lack of quality was all too evident and a point for United leaves them 10th with nine points – the first time they have failed to reach double figures after seven games in 30 years – while Arsenal nudged back into the top four.

Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford were surprise inclusions in the United starting XI having been expected to miss out through injury but Aaron Wan-bissaka was ill and Axel Tuanzebe started his first Premier League game since May 2017 at left-back.

Driving rain admittedly made conditions difficult but Scotland midfielder Mctominay produced the only real moment of quality as he fired United ahead just before half-time.

The Gunners levelled in 58 minutes after a VAR check showed that assistant Scott Ledger had erroneously raised his flag against Aubameyang after Tuanzebe’s awful pass had allowed Bukayo Saka to play in the striker, who neatly chipped David De Gea.

Picture: AP. Scott Mctominay blasts in the opening goal for United.

Arsenal’s Pierreemerick Aubameyang celebrates his equaliser.