Arsenal have squandered a number of good opportunities in the first half of their Premier League tie with Manchester United that has ended 0-0.

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Danny Welbeck's movement caused problems for the inexperienced Red Devils defence throughout the first half, but Paddy McNair did well to block the striker's goalbound effort in the fourth minute.

Welbeck then flashed a header over the bar before firing a weak shot towards goal, while Jack Wilshere hit an effort straight at David de Gea from 18 yards.

The best chance of the half came in the 14th minute when de Gea's poor clearance fell straight to the Arsenal midfield. The ball was swiftly moved to Wilshere, who advanced unchallenged towards goal, but he struck the ball directly at the visiting goalkeeper from just six yards out.

United's defence looked ragged and matters only worsened as Luke Shaw had to be replaced by Ashley Young after just 15 minutes.

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Wayne Rooney wasted the chance to test Wojciech Szczesny as he blazed a 25-yard free kick over the bar before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was thwarted by De Gea, as the goalkeeper rushed off his line to close down the angle for the winger after a clever run.

Angel di Maria began the game quietly, but the Argentine whipped a dangerous shot just wide of the far post after stepping in off the right wing in the 36th minute as his influence on the game grew.

The £59.7m signing then charged 60 yards before teeing up Rooney, who was only denied by a last-ditch Calum Chambers challenge.

Two minutes later, Chris Smalling lashed at a volley from six yards out which span harmlessly wide of the near post as the visitors showed glimpses of quality before the half-time whistle.