Man Utd beat Arsenal on penalties in dramatic FA Cup clash as two new heroes found
WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Arsenal and Man Utd play out FA Cup classic
Manchester United beat Arsenal on penalties to book their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup after a dramatic showdown at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Red Devils have endured a nightmare season but things appear to be turning round under Ruben Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November.
After goals from Bruno Fernandes and Gabriel, and after Altay Bayindir had denied Martin Odegaard from the spot, the match went to penalties.
And it was United who ended up winning, with Kai Havertz missing from 12 yards to send the visitors through.
Man Utd goalkeeper Altay Bayindir was excellent on Sunday in their FA Cup win over Arsenal
GETTY
There were many good performers for the Red Devils.
But it is Bayindir who will steal all the headlines, with the Turkey international producing a heroic performance between the sticks to help his side to victory.
Joshua Zirkzee, who has struggled since joining the club back in the summer transfer window, also deserves credit.
The Netherlands international stepped up to score the winning penalty, coolly slotting in from 12 yards to spark wild celebrations in the away end.
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United took the lead against Arsenal in the 52nd minute, with Bruno Fernandes rifling his effort into the top corner after a pinpoint delivery from Alejandro Garnacho.
However, their joy was short-lived with Diogo Dalot seeing red after picking up a second yellow.
Arsenal then took full advantage, with Gabriel drawing them level after his deflected strike hit Matthijs de Ligt.
From that moment on, virtually all of the home fans were expecting their team to go through.
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Yet Arsenal were unable to get a decisive second goal.
They thought they'd retaken the lead when a penalty was awarded following a foul on Kai Havertz by Harry Maguire inside the box.
Maguire protested his innocence and a huge brawl broke out, with all 20 outfield players arguing.
The decision stood but Bayindir stepped up, with the former Fenerbahce goalkeeper diving low to his left to keep Odegaard's effort out.
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Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring against Arsenal in Sunday's FA Cup clash
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Arsenal still had chances after that.
Havertz, who has often frustrated fans since his arrival from Chelsea back in the summer transfer window of 2023, missed several good opportunites - while Declan Rice saw a header tipped over the bar.
At the other end, United went close through Zirkzee - with David Raya just about able to claw the striker's shot past the post.
With nothing to choose between the two teams, it was left to the dreaded penalty shootout.
Man Utd star Joshua Zirkzee scored the winning penalty against Arsenal on Sunday
GETTY
And Havertz squandered his effort from 12 yards, with Bayindir making a brilliant save.
No other player missed from there and Zirkzee, who was booed by United fans inside Old Trafford just before the New Year, became a hero by scoring the winning penalty.
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