Manchester United set unwanted 41-year Premier League record with Arsenal defeat

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th goal in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, but defeat for Manchester United against top-four rivals Arsenal also gave them an unwanted record. In their first match since appointing Erik ten Hag as manager, United were beaten 3-1 in north London.

Back from compassionate leave, Ronaldo marked his return with a milestone goal and celebrated with a touching and emotional tribute following the death of his baby son. As they had done at Anfield in midweek, both sets of supporters joined together in solidarity for Ronaldo and his family by giving him a standing ovation and applause in the seventh-minute.

United were already 1-0 down at that point after Nuno Tavares opened the scoring. Bukayo Saka doubled that lead from the penalty spot and Ronaldo — bringing up three figures in the league — gave his team a fighting chance before Granit Xhaka settled the scores for Arsenal upon the restart, following a missed Bruno Fernandes penalty.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo has given Erik ten Hag a Manchester United blueprint

It was a result that means United face an almost-impossible task to qualify for the Champions League and interim manager Ralf Rangnick gave up the pursuit during his post-match interview. Beyond that, they suffered their fourth straight away defeat for the first time in the Premier League era.

Not since 1980/1981 have United lost as many consecutive games in the league. Failing to pick up a single point on the road between December 1980 and March 1981, they went on to finish eighth that season.

Currently sitting in sixth place with four matches to play — two points ahead of West Ham who have a match extra to play on Sunday afternoon — United have lost 10 times in the