Cristiano Ronaldo moment sparked 10-second move that sealed Manchester United win vs Arsenal

Cristiano Ronaldo's performance against Arsenal showed the vital role the five-time Ballon d'Or winner still has to play at Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag left Ronaldo out of United's starting line-up for the fourth successive Premier League match on Sunday. The 37-year-old replaced debutant and goalscorer Antony just before the hour mark with the game finely poised at 1-0.

Bukayo Saka scored just minutes later to give the Gunners a route back into the game as they looked to potentially find a winning goal themselves. However, United remained calm as they absorbed pressure and hit Arsenal with two devastating counter-attacks inside nine minutes of each other.

ALSO READ: United player ratings vs Arsenal

Marcus Rashford calmly slotted past Aaron Ramsdale in the 66th minute after being played through by a sumptuous Bruno Fernandes through ball. Christian Eriksen then provided a tap-in for the striker on the 75th minute as the Reds made it 3-1 thanks to Rashford's second goal of the game.

Although he did not grab the headlines, Ronaldo's impact on the match was crucial. With the scores level at 1-1, the Portugal captain international forced Sambi Lokonga into losing possession within United's half with some excellent pressing - three passes and 10 seconds later, it was 2-1 to United.

Ronaldo did not relent with his pressing as he forced Ramsdale into a wayward pass as the forward breathed down the goalkeeper's neck. Fernandes was unable to capitalise on the mistake as the Arsenal shot-stopper rushed out to deny the United midfielder's attempt to chip the ball over him.

For United's third goal, Ronaldo was surrounded by six Arsenal players on the halfway line, allowing Eriksen the freedom to run on to Fernandes'