Manchester United's hopes of securing a spot in the Champions League next season all but went up in smoke as they lost to Arsenal in a crucial Premier League clash.

It was an afternoon to forget for the Red Devils within the first few minutes as a defensive brain-fade at the back lead to Nuno Tavares' opening goal.

Things then got worse for the visitors as Bukayo Saka stroked home a penalty to double the Gunners' lead and leave United staring down the barrel.

Cristiano Ronaldo, as is his way, managed to snatch one back before the break to give United some hope and it looked like they could haul themselves back into it as they came out firing in the second stanza.

However, when the usually so dependable Bruno Fernandes stepped up and could only clip the post from the penalty spot, you couldn't help but feel that the writing was on the wall.

After Aaron Ramsdale let Bruno have it with his Martin Keown-esque celebration, Granit Xhaka then went up the other end and rattled a glorious strike past David De Gea to kill off the game.

Bruno Fernandes missed a crucial penalty vs Arsenal
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United reacts to a missed penalty during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United reacts to a missed penalty during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

With the much-maligned Harry Maguire relegated to a watching brief this week, United fans were left having to find someone else to direct their ire at.

Sadly, for Fernades, their cross-hairs fell on him and they simply didn't miss when they got going.

Fernandes has always struggled to be his enigmatic best against the so-called bigger sides but his performance on Saturday left a particularly bitter taste in the mouth.

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Nothing would stick for him and the missed penalty was just a very rotten cherry on top of a thoroughly forgettable performance.

Bruno Fernandes highlights vs Arsenal

His highlights from the Arsenal clash have since emerged and they don't make for pretty viewing.

Oh dear.

Now, don't get us wrong, on his day Bruno is easily one of the best players in the Premier League, but he has looked a shadow of that player of late.

The United team is littered with tired and broken looking players across the length and breadth of the pitch and, on a day when they needed one of their biggest stars to step up, he simply couldn't deliver.

The club is not in a good way at the moment - something made blatantly obvious by Scott McTominay during his post-match interview - and they will be desperate to see Bruno return to his best.

At the moment though, he just can't seem to get anything right.