Man Utd winners and losers after Arsenal win as Rangnick set to make changes

Ralf Rangnick will have plenty to sink his teeth into after watching Manchester United win against Arsenal on Thursday night.

Michael Carrick once again took charge for the Premier League clash at Old Trafford, with Rangnick still awaiting his work visa.

But it was a nightmare start for the hosts as Emile Smith Rowe gave the Gunners the lead in controversial fashion; David de Gea laying on the floor after being upended by his own team-mate during a corner allowing Smith Rowe an open goal.

However, Arsenal's lead only lasted for around half an hour as Bruno Fernandes scored a close-range equaliser, before fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo doubled their lead just after the break to mark his 800th career goal.

Just two minutes later though, Martin Odegaard had Arsenal back on level terms with 40 minutes left to play, but the Norwegian's silly challenge led to Ronaldo putting United back ahead via the penalty spot.

35 minutes of end-to-end action followed, but United managed to hold on to the lead and claim all three points under Rangnick's watchful eye.

Mirror Football looks at three winners and three losers from Thursday night's clash.

Winners

Cristiano Ronaldo

Two goals to mark his return to form has got Ronaldo cooking again right when it matters for Rangnick.

The Portuguese's 800th and 801st career strikes come at a vital time for United, who are looking to gather momentum again with Rangnick set to take the reins.

Having been controversially dropped against Chelsea, Ronaldo's display against Arsenal displayed why Roy Keane may have been right all along.

Bruno Fernandes

Since Ronaldo's arrival, Fernandes has played a much more subdued role this term.

And while he was far from the pivot, as he had been for the 18 months after his arrival, against Arsenal, his strike showed that he can still deliver the goods when needed.

Rangnick knows he faces a huge task in getting Fernandes and Ronaldo to click, but if he does manage it, United could be a very exciting proposition again.

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Marcus Rashford

It was another bright performance from Rashford, setting up Ronaldo's first and causing plenty of problems for the Arsenal defence.

Despite being taken off with just 10 minutes left to play, the no. 10 has once again repaid Carrick's faith in him with a strong performance.

And with the likes of Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial breathing down his neck, Rashford certainly staked his claim to start under Rangnick.

Losers

David de Gea

Knowing his new manager is watching, De Gea will have been praying for a smooth ride against Arsenal.

But after being tripped by Fred to allow Arsenal to take the lead, the Spaniard will be scratching his head as he ponders his fate.

It is only a matter of time until one of De Gea or Henderson gets the chop, and it's mostly looked like the former will keep his place, but silly blunders will not do him any favours.

Edinson Cavani

Ronaldo being back in form can only be bad news for Cavani, who is set to lead a six-man exodus under Rangnick.

The Uruguayan has struggled with injuries this season, only starting two games in all competitions, and scoring once.

But the way things stand, the writing is on the wall for Cavani at Old Trafford.

Harry Maguire

Despite clinching a win, United once again looked shaky at the back against Arsenal.

And that has to mostly come down to captain and leader Maguire, who single-handedly marshals the United defence.

The £75million man hasn't found his best form this season, and United fans will be hoping that a more tightly run ship under Rangnick will be the key to Maguire fulfilling his potential.