Casemiro's struggles reveal Man United's stark decline

Manchester United’s last title challenge came 11 years, five managers and an interim appointment ago.

- RICHARD JOLLY

And yet they could have had their greatest impact on the destination of the trophy since the days when Sir Alex Ferguson prowled the technical area, fingers tapping his watch. They had already ended one title tilt; Arsenal ensured they did not strike down both of Manchester City’s rivals to anoint their neighbours as champions.

Still, more than the four points United denied Liverpool, the psychological blow of failing to beat such a terrible team – despite 87 shots in three games – was too much even for Jurgen Klopp’s mentality monsters. They exited the title race in embarrassment, reeling in incomprehension. Arsenal created fewer chances at Old Trafford and emerged with more points. In recent weeks, 4-3 has been a more familiar outcome in United matches than 1-0 so there was an old-fashioned element to the scoreline.

And, indeed, an old-timer responsible for it. Leandro Trossard was the scorer, a 17th goal of the season underlining that he is the kind of bargain United have unearthed too rarely in recent years. But Casemiro was the culprit, his unique interpretation of the offside trap permitting Arsenal to register just a second league win at Old Trafford since 2006.