Fellaini spoils Wenger’s farewell party at Old Trafford

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02:49

An injury-time winner from Marouane Fellaini spoiled Arsene Wenger’s party one last time as the Red Devils edged past their traditional rivals Arsenal in the Old Trafford farewell of their French manager, who will retire at the end of this season after being at the helm for 22 long years.

After a memorable pre-match felicitation, in which Wenger’s erstwhile arch-rival and former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson was master of ceremonies, Wenger’s boys were quite desperate to break their 10-match winless streak in United’s backyard.

Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson presents Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger with a gift to mark his retirement ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford. /VCG Photo‍

However, it was the hosts who came out firing on all cylinders and took the lead in 16 minutes when Paul Pogba scored from a rebound after Hector Bellerin knocked an Alexis Sanchez header onto the post.

This was under-fire Pogba’s third goal in four league games.

Despite holding on to their lead in the first half, United suffered a blow when striker Romelu Lukaku was taken off due to an injury. Moments later, Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the equalizer against his former club.

Calum Chambers of Arsenal (C) and Hector Bellerin of Arsenal (R) look dejected as Paul Pogba scores Manchester United’s first goal against Arsenal. /VCG Photo

The match was heading for a draw before Fellaini headed in an Ashley Young cross in stoppage time to end Wenger’s farewell trip to Old Trafford with an agonizing defeat.

The victory means United will play in the Champions League next season with a secured finish within the top four bracket as Jose Mourinho’s boys now have a five-point advantage over third-placed Liverpool with a game in hand.