Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang breaks his silence after lifeless display in defeat to Manchester United as the Arsenal striker vows to 'keep the work rate high and re-focus' for Everton trip 

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has responded after his poor display at Man United
• The Arsenal forward described the Old Trafford defeat as a 'disappointing night'
• Aubameyang had little influence on the game and missed a second-half sitter
• He was taken off with 11 minutes to go even as Arsenal were chasing the game 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has responded to stinging criticism of his performance in Arsenal's 3-2 defeat at Manchester United.

The Gabon striker was mostly anonymous for Thursday's trip to Old Trafford and missed a huge chance in the second half when he could only fire straight at David de Gea from point-blank range when he - although the effort would probably have been ruled out for offside.

His night got even worse when he was taken off in the 79th minute by coach Mikel Arteta as the visitors chased the game after Cristiano Ronaldo had given United a 3-2 lead from the penalty spot. 

Aubameyang broke his silence on Friday evening, pointing out he was aware he had a poor game and turning his attention to Arsenal's next game, Monday's trip to Everton.

'Disappointing night - and I’m always checking myself first,' he wrote on his Instagram account. 

'Gotta keep the work rate high and re-focus on Monday, we never give up!' 

A number of Arsenal fans took to Twitter after the game to criticise their captain, who touched the ball only 28 times, the lowest out of any outfield player. Only United goalkeeper David de Gea made fewer touches with 26.  

The Gabon forward has now failed to find the net in his last five Premier League matches

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry could not believe it when Arteta took Aubameyang off while his side were searching for a late leveller.

But the Frenchman acknowledged that the star striker is not playing well and Arteta took him off for a reason.  

'One thing I couldn't understand is, Aubameyang is your captain, he is your goalscorer, you put him as a captain', Henry said post match on Prime Video.

'Fifteen minutes to go, you are losing 3-2, and you take him off.

'3-2, away from home, and you take your captain, your symbol, off the field, and you know he can score you goals.

'So something is not right there.'