Manchester United 2 Arsenal 1: RVP

Manchester United 2 Arsenal 1: RVP on target as Wilshere sees red 

Robin van Persie struck inside three minutes against his former club as Manchester United eased to a comfortable victory over 10-man Arsenal at Old Trafford.

The prolific Dutchman was taunted throughout by visiting fans but reminded them of his talents in the opening moments in a Barclays Premier League contest United dominated from the outset.

Wayne Rooney missed United's fourth penalty of the season but Patrice Evra added a second and Arsenal's misery was compounded by the sending off Jack Wilshere before Santi Cazorla hit an injury-time consolation.

High times: Robin van Persie was the catalyst to yet another Manchester United over Arsenal

Arsenal's defensive frailties were again in evidence as United swept forward and Antonio Valencia bypassed Andre Santos by releasing Rafael down the right with a deft backheel.

Pounced: The Dutchman punished a Thomas Vermaelen error inside three minutes... but didn't celebrate

The Brazilian whipped in an awkward low cross which caught Thomas Vermaelen off balance and his attempted clearance rolled straight to Van Persie, who fired past Vito Mannone from inside the box.

It was his 10th goal for United in 13 games but he avoided antagonising Arsenal supporters further by deciding not to celebrate.

Conceding so early may have led to some anxiety in the Arsenal camp after their 8-2 capitulation in the corresponding fixture last season.

United may not have threatened a repeat of that scoreline but they continued to control the game and the best response the visitors could initially muster was a wayward long-range drive from Santos.

Case for the defence: Arsenal were angry at the award of a penalty late in the first-half

... but luckily for the Gunners, Wayne Rooney sent his spot kick wide of the post

That was a rare moment of opportunity for Santos, who found himself under considerable pressure at left-back.

United may have seemed content to build a patient game but attacking Santos' flank seemed a fruitful avenue for the hosts, with Valencia troubling the Portuguese at every opportunity.

Van Persie went close again as he raced onto a defence-slitting pass by Rooney but Mannone saved well.

Arsenal did show some positive intent with Aaron Ramsey, the only starting member of their side who played in last year's thrashing, reaching the byline but David de Gea pushed away his cross.

Valencia predictably beat Santos to cross and Michael Carrick clipped the ball to Rooney after Bacary Sagna had half-cleared.

Doubled up: United got the second their performance deserved when Patrice Evra headed hom