Jose Mourinho explained that a lack of pace was the key reason why captain Wayne Rooney did not start in Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford on Saturday.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended for the match, Mourinho turned to Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford instead of utilising Rooney's big-game experience.
Juan Mata gave the Red Devils the lead before French striker Olivier Giroud came off the bench to score a late equaliser for the visitors.
Rooney did come on as a substitute in the 63rd minute for Martial but failed to help United to victory.
"I thought we were going to have the ball," Mourinho said. "Arsenal are a team who let their opponents play.
"I thought we would have space and the ball would arrive quite easily to the attacking players.
"I believed ones like Mata, Martial and Rashford were faster than Wayne, better attacking opponents one to one in the last line. I thought it was the best option."
United's next league assignment will be against West Ham United at Old Trafford on Nov. 28.