United View: Flooding sums up United's season

No image better epitomised Manchester United’s season than after full-time on Sunday, as torrential rain fell, Old Trafford was unable to withstand the downpour and the stadium was bombarded with flooding.

With waterfalls from the ceiling and flash flooding down the stairs, it wasn’t a good look for United.

It came after United’s 1-0 loss against Arsenal, their 9th defeat in all competitions at Old Trafford. Despite being an improvement from the 4-0 hammering against Crystal Palace – in the same way, a kick in the shin is better than a punch on the nose. United were still incapable of getting a result.

It was a more pragmatic approach from Erik ten Hag, deviating away from his side’s usual chaotic style of football and attempting to nullify title-chasing Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s team has shown on multiple occasions they can inflict heavy damage, and it was damage limitation for the Reds.

Things started well for United until Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the 20th minute, following Kai Havertz exploiting space in United’s backline after Casemiro failed to get out fast enough, playing the German onside.

The image of the Brazilian ambling out of defence around 10 yards away from the rest of his backline speaks volumes. Even though he may not be a central defender, it was a basic error and only worsens what has been a bad week for the 32-year-old.

One of the most compelling stats from Sunday was that the partnership of Casemiro and Johnny Evans was United’s fourteenth centre-back combination, compared to Arsenal’s three this season. This consistency has been key for the Gunners, only conceding 28 goals compared to United’s 56.

Injuries have been one of the biggest reasons for United’s downfall this season and must be addressed if they return to competition for titles in the future. And with the upcoming departure of Raphael Varane, the Reds will need to further invest in their backline.

Elsewhere, Manchester United’s women’s team have won their first-ever major trophy following a 4-0 win against Spurs at Wembley on Sunday, ending their rollercoaster season on a high.

It was a close contest between the two until just before half-time Ella Toone opened the scoring with a long-range hit, finishing off a devastating transition from Marc Skinner’s side.

The Reds then doubled their lead after the break through a Rachel Williams header. The centre forward had been threatening for much of the game and was converted from a Katie Zelem free kick.

Finally, the trophy was wrapped up by a Lucia Garcia double, the first coming from a mistake from Spurs goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer before grabbing her second in the 74th minute.

Interesting to note that Sir Jim Ratcliffe was not in attendance for this match opting to watch the men’s game against Arsenal, but co-owner Avram Glazer was. A slight indication of priorities at Manchester United?

Regardless it was a fantastic achievement for United. And for all the talk about INEOS’s plans for Erik ten Hag’s side, the Women’s team must receive equal support to help them bridge the gap between them, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.

The Reds dropped off this season following their Champions League qualification last campaign, with the departure of key players like Alessia Russo and Ona Battlle. And will need to invest if there are to push for the WSL.

The men’s side returns to action for their final two games of the league season, with Newcastle on Wednesday night before travelling to Brighton for the final game of the campaign. The Newcastle game has not been played at the time of writing.