United fans will be furious watching back what Merino did to Garnacho in second half | OneFootball

It’s a little cruel that Manchester United received little in the way of reward for posting one of their best second halves of the 2024/25 season.

In the end, it was Bruno Fernandes’ first-half free-kick, in a round of 45 where the hosts were largely inferior, which secured a share of the spoils for the Reds.

Casemiro and the Portuguese international played key roles throughout, with the former turning back the clock with a sensational display breaking up play in the middle of the park.

Sadly, one of the inevitable talking points to have emerged from the tie was the free-kick itself, with Declan Rice noting how deep the wall placement felt.

“The wall did feel far back. Even on our free-kick, when Martin took it, they felt far back as well, more than usual. But the referee makes that decision,” the England international was quoted by Sky Sports.

Arsenal fans can moan about the officiating all they want

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Arsenal fans can moan about the decision as much as they wish, but to claim they didn’t receive a fair shake from the on-pitch official, Anthony Taylor is laughable.

Somehow, rather inexplicably, Gunners midfielder-turned-auxilliary striker Mikel Merino got awya with what looked like a nasty stamp on Alejandro Garnacho’s ankle early on in the second half at Old Trafford.

The referee had a pretty good view of the incident too, judging by beINSports footage shared on X (formerly Twitter) by @utdfocusid.

How did Manchester United react to free-kick-gate?

Manchester United ultimately saw an opportunity and took it with the first-half free-kick, as was made clear by Christian Eriksen’s thoughts on the “controversy”.

“Very good, happy that the wall was a few metres away. You saw how far back they were and it was beneficial for us,” the Dane was quoted by BBC Sport.

“We felt relief from the fans in the stadium after the goal.”

Ultimately, the harsh truth the Gunners perhaps don’t wish to face presently is that they should have had enough in the bag to be competitive against a United side that has struggled this term.

It probably says a great deal more about us, of course, that we were a matter of whiskers away from securing all three points but for Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee’s nearly moments.