Ralf Rangnick admits the top four is ‘gone’ for Manchester United after their 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates.
The Red Devils went behind in just the third minute when Nuno Tavares tapped home at the back post. Alex Telles then brought Bukayo Saka down in the penalty area, giving Arsenal a spot-kick.
Saka stepped up to beat David de Gea and make it 12 goals for the season in all competitions.
Manchester United fans had something to shout about later on in the first half when Cristiano Ronaldo did well to connect with a Nemanja Matic cross, sending it past Aaron Ramsdale. That saw the Portuguese attacker register his 100th goal in the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes should have made it 2-2 from the penalty spot in the second half. However, his effort hit the post and went out for a goal kick.
Arsenal had their third goal in the 70th minute when Granit Xhaka fired into the bottom corner from longe range. United were unable to come back from that, making it two defeats in a row for Rangnick’s side – our Player Ratings are available here.
The result leaves United in sixth. They are six points behind Arsenal, who occupy fourth, and have played a game more than them too.
Ralf Rangnick ‘disappointed’ by loss
During a post-match interview with BBC Sport, Rangnick said: “I think we showed an improved performance but in the end a disappointing result.
“I think we bounced back well from the early goal and had numerous chances in both halves to score more goals.
“I thought the weak part of our performance today was we didn’t defend well inside and around our box.”
Rangnick was angry with several VAR rulings, too. “I felt there were three very unlucky VAR decisions,” the German said.
“For me the Arsenal third [goal] was clearly offside. The second [goal] of Cristiano’s was not offside.
“We were not very happy with the VAR decisions today. An improved display but a disappointing result.”
On Fernandes’ missed penalty, he added: “It would have helped us a lot if that had been the equaliser and probably would have changed the whole game. In the end, very unlucky for us.”
When asked if Champions League qualification is out of reach now, Rangnick replied: “Pretty sure. For me even before the game it was not very likely but after today’s result it is gone, yes.”
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