Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to return to Old Trafford as Leicester City have been drawn to face his former club, Manchester United.
Joshua Zirkzee scored the decisive penalty as 10-man Manchester United defeated Arsenal in a thrilling FA Cup clash to secure their spot in the fourth round.
United played with a numerical disadvantage for nearly an hour after Diogo Dalot was sent off for a second yellow card following a mistimed tackle on Arsenal’s Mikel Merino.
Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead in the 52nd minute with a brilliant strike, curling the ball into the top corner after Alejandro Garnacho’s assist, which came following a slip from Gabriel.
Dalot’s red card in the 61st minute leveled the playing field, and just two minutes later, Gabriel scored for Arsenal, volleying in from inside the area.
Arsenal had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Kai Havertz was awarded a penalty after being fouled by Harry Maguire in the box. A brief melee followed, resulting in bookings for Maguire, Havertz, and Gabriel, before Arsenal’s captain Martin Ødegaard stepped up to take the penalty. However, United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir made an impressive save, diving to his left to deny Ødegaard.
Despite further chances from Declan Rice and Havertz, Arsenal could not break down United’s defense, with Bayindir continuing to keep them at bay.
In extra time, Arsenal pressed forward with their numerical advantage, but failed to find a way through. Havertz’s penalty was saved by Bayindir, setting the stage for Zirkzee, who calmly slotted home his penalty, sending David Raya the wrong way to secure a shootout victory.
The result means Arsenal have been eliminated in the third round for the third time in four seasons.
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