Premier League: Manchester United 2 Arsenal 0

Robin Van Persie scored against former club Arsenal as Manchester United defeated the Gunners 2-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Dutchman took just three minutes to open the scoring in his first appearance against Arsene Wenger’s side since his close-season switch before Wayne Rooney missed a chance to double the lead from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

Patrice Evra doubled the lead with a 66th-minute header, while an injury-time Santi Cazorla strike provided scant consolation for a disappointing Arsenal outfit.

Arsenal were forced to play the final 21 minutes with 10 men following the dismissal of Jack Wilshere for a second yellow card.

Van Persie took advantage of woeful Arsenal defending to score his 10th goal of the season in the opening stages.

United right-back Rafael exploited a gaping hole on the Gunners’ left and when Thomas Vermaelen scuffed his clearance, the ball fell perfectly for Van Persie to shoot low into the bottom corner.

While Arsenal saw plenty of the ball in the opening period they failed to create any chances of note and looked vulnerable defensively, with left-back Andre Santos struggling in particular.

The Gunners had goalkeeper Vito Mannone to thank for keeping them in the game as the Italian made fine stops to prevent Van Persie and Rooney from extending United’s advantage.

On the stroke of half-time referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot after Cazorla raised his arms and handled Ashley Young’s cross. United failed to take advantage, Rooney shooting wide of the left post, his ninth miss from 26 spot-kick attempts in United colours.

Arsenal improved after the break, Olivier Giroud striking against the outside of the post from a tight angle, but United seemed in control.

The hosts’ authority was confirmed when a well-worked corner routine saw Rooney clip a cross to Evra, the Frenchman nodding home amid stray Arsenal defenders.

Wilshere was sent off three minutes later for a reckless lunge on Evra by the touchline.

The game meandered to its conclusion before Cazorla sent a sublime curling effort into goal with the last kick of the match.