There were too many failures for Manchester United against Arsenal. The Gunners turned in their poorest performance of the season at Old Trafford, yet Jose Mourinho’s team could not claim the three points. Arsene Wenger’s overdue substitutions paid dividends and United failed to gain any meaningful ground on the top four.It was, frustratingly for Red Devils worldwide, much of the same. Injuries will be blamed for the poor defensive organisation that led to Olivier Giroud’s goal, but that was only one of several recurring issues. The addition of Michael Carrick to the midfield gave greater control and limited the impact of Mesut Ozil, yet there were very few clearcut chances created.Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s absence saw a chance in the attacking balance, there was plenty of praise for Manchester United’s display, some of it questionable. It was better than Arsenal’s, yes, but that was just about it. Failure to create many meaningful opportunities will be easily forgotten, thanks to a technically exquisite finish from Manchester United’s often-unheralded saviour, Juan Mata.Anthony Martial’s continued poor form raises many, many questions. The shining light of Manchester United’s 2015/16 season has looked far inferior to his talents this season, while Marcus Rashford is yet to flourish either. In possession, Mourinho’s team are still looking short of invention. Even with Paul Pogba freed up from midfield responsibilities – with Carrick and Ander Herrera playing – it was as if he was told to play safe and could not find much space against Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny. Mata has made himself a certain starter this season, but even he could not produce the sort of defence-splitting passes that he so often does.A vital game against Feyenoord is up next for United. The Europa League has, due to their poor recent form, become a priority. Elimination in the group stage would be harmful to the club and Mourinho. A brace of matches against West Ham in the league and EFL Cup follow that, as the winter fixture congestion takes hold.Arsenal’s failings at Old Trafford can be misconstrued. The inability of Mourinho’s team to take advantage of such an abject Arsenal performance says a lot about their current position. The problems that blighted Manchester United before the international break were clear once again. Clear chances, as is represented on the xG map below, were hardly created by either side. This is a pattern all too familiar for the Red Devils and, where it looks like they were unfortunate not to win, questions should be asked of how Arsenal were even in a position to snatch a point.

Mourinho’s decision to remove his creator-in-chief for a defensive midfielder is a common one for him. It has been his insurance policy in tight games throughout his career, but it was a mistake. In doing so on Saturday, he surrendered momentum and the initiative. Wenger’s substitutions, although later than they should have been, took advantage of a backwards step by Mourinho. From controlling the game with a lead, Mourinho lost control of the match and was made to pay.

Ultimately, this draw is not some freak bad luck for United. It is a reflection on where they are as a team and a continued failure to address the weaknesses that have caused their disappointing start to the season.