Stunned Gunners battered by rampant Reds

IF THE Manchester United era was ever in danger of coming to a close this season, as some critics suggested, there can be no doubt whatsoever that its demise has, at the very least, been postponed following an outstanding victory over title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

United’s resounding 3-1 win, inspired by yet another excellent performance from Wayne Rooney, brought back memories of last year’s Champions League triumph here in north London and came on the back of a thrilling Carling Cup semi-final victory over derby rivals Manchester City in midweek.

Having punctured City’s desire to buy their way to supremacy in Manchester so dramatically, United were even more ruthless in their demolition of Arsenal who will surely spend the rest of the season looking in at a two-horse title race from the outside.