Manchester United learned which players really care in Arsenal defeat

Manchester United players did not need to consult their media representatives or analyse 'fan sentiment graphs' to know the mood would be low after their latest defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League.

A week in which United had the chance to revive their dismal season instead confirmed the mess Ralf Rangnick's side are in, with a humiliating loss at Anfield followed up by another damaging defeat in their weak fight for a top-four finish.

In a weird way, the loss on Tuesday night was a bit more understandable. Liverpool are one of the best sides in Europe and are chasing an almighty quadruple. It's hard to remember a time in recent history when the gulf between the two teams was quite so big.

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Losing to an Arsenal side who have hardly blown the world away — despite a steady improvement under Mikel Arteta this season — raised questions not necessarily about a difference in quality between the two teams, but rather, about squad unity and which team wanted it more on the day.

United might well point towards questionable officiating as a key factor in the defeat. Rangnick questioned four incidents after the match, but his players can't ignore their own errors, with some disastrous defending and a real lack of team cohesion on show.

In desperate times you need your biggest stars to stand up and be counted. But at the Emirates, supporters once again felt detached from the performance they saw on the pitch and the lack of heart on display.

Playing for United should be the pinnacle of a player's career, yet right now there are a whole host of individuals wanting out and others who simply take for granted the incredible