Manchester United 3-2 Arsenal

Marcus Rashford, at 18 years and 120 days, became the third youngest player to score a Premier League goal for Manchester United after Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda

Teenager Marcus Rashford scored twice and set up the third as Manchester United derailed Arsenal's Premier League title challenge at Old Trafford.

Rashford, who scored twice on his debut against FC Midtjylland on Thursday, steered in a loose ball for the opener then headed in three minutes later.

Danny Welbeck nodded Arsenal back into the game, but Rashford picked out Ander Herrera whose shot was deflected in.

Mesut Ozil's volley gave third-placed Arsenal hope, but United held on.

Arsenal - who have not won the title since 2004 - remain in third place, five points adrift of leaders Leicester having now played the same number of matches.

The Red Devils moved back into fifth position with their first win in three league games.

Analysis: 'Why Arsenal fell short, again' - Ian Wright

Re-live the five-goal thriller at Old Trafford

Do Arsenal actually want to win the title?

That's the question posed by former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand. Of course, Ferdinand is being facetious. And of course Arsenal want to win the title.

But, against an under-strength and youthful home side, the Gunners blew another opportunity to demonstrate their title credentials.

With leaders Leicester snatching a late win on Saturday, and second-placed Tottenham fighting back against Swansea, Arsene Wenger's side lost valuable ground on their title rivals.

And it ended a miserable week for the Frenchman, who saw his side falter in three competitions.

Wenger watched his team labour to an FA Cup draw against Championship side Hull, then put themselves on the brink of a Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona.

"This is a fight where you keep going even when disappointment is there. Let's show we are prepared for the fight," he said.

Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon's half-time tweet illustrated how important he felt victory would be for the Gunners' title challenge

Rashford makes his Marc again...

Barely anyone outside Old Trafford had heard of Marcus Rashford less than week ago - now the teenage United striker is a household name across the country.

Two goals on his senior debut in the Europa League against Midtjylland catapulted him into the national spotlight.

But, many asked, how would he fare against a league title-chasing side in the heat of a battle between two fierce rivals? Coolly, calmly and clinically, as it turned out.

Rashford only had two touches inside the Arsenal box inside the opening 35 minutes - but that is all he needed...

Rashford showed signs of his youthful exuberance in the early stages, darting inside a pair of Arsenal defenders from the left touchline before being hauled down on the edge of the penalty area.

The opportunity of that set-piece was not taken by the Red Devils, but it mattered little as Rashford soon put them into a two-goal lead.

The young Mancunian pounced on a poor clearance by Arsenal centre-back Gabriel to slot in his first Premier League goal, then waltzed into space to powerfully head in Jesse Lingard's floated cross.

But it was not just his finishing that caught the eye. Rashford showed great awareness and composure to pick out the run of Herrera, whose 20-yard shot took a wicked deflection off Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny.

No wonder he was given a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd when he was replaced in the 80th minute.

Van Gaal takes a tumble

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal fell over in front of the fourth official in what was described as "the comedy moment of the season" by BBC Radio 5 live commentator Conor McNamara.

The Dutchman, who rarely leaves his seat in the dugout during matches, appeared to be frustrated by an alleged dive by Gunners striker Alexis Sanchez.

"I have had a lot of criticism because I am sitting on my bench and now I am off my bench and I have lot of criticism because I'm doing that," Van Gaal said.

Grim up north for the Gunners...

Arsenal have not enjoyed their Premier League visits to Old Trafford in recent seasons, failing to pick up three points there since September 2006.

And many felt the Gunners needed to finally win at Old Trafford if they are going to end an even longer barren run - becoming the English champions.

The opportunity to beat United was probably the easiest for Arsenal than any other time during Arsene Wenger's 20-year reign.

But their defensive errors cost them dearly.

"I cannot fault the commitment and desire but unfortunately we conceded two easy goals," said Wenger afterwards.

Man of the match - Marcus Rashford

There's only one option - Manchester United striker Rashford. Two goals, one assist and another exciting all-round display from the teenage newcomer

Stats of the day

• Rashford, aged 18 years and 120 days, is exactly the same age as Wayne Rooney was on the day that they both scored their first Premier League brace

• Rashford is one of only six players to have had a hand in three goals on their Premier League debut

• Arsenal have won none and lost seven of their past nine league trips to Old Trafford

• Mesut Ozil assisted for the 18th occasion this season in the league - only Thierry Henry (20 in 2002-03) has more in a single campaign

• Ozil scored and assisted in the same league away game for only the second time

• Arsenal have only won two of their past eight league away matches (W2 D3 L3) - this following a run of 12 away matches where they won 10

• Manchester United have now won back-to-back Premier League home games for the first time since September

What's next?

A couple of days rest and then straight back into Premier League action. The top flight reconvenes for a full midweek programme, with both teams facing home matches on Wednesday.

Arsenal look to bounce back against 16th-placed Swansea, while United welcome 10th-placed Watford.