Manchester, Feb 29 (IANS): Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that his side played into the hands of Manchester United during their 2-3 defeat in an English Premier League (EPL) contest at Old Trafford here.

Sunday's loss left third placed Arsenal (51 points) five points adrift of league leaders Leicester City and their title ambitions have taken a hit. 

They have just two wins in their last seven league matches. Against United, the Gunners enjoyed 61 percent of the ball possession, but could not make it count as 18-year-old striker Marcus Rashford scored twice in the first half for the hosts.

"We had a lot of the ball and a lot of possession," Wenger was quoted as saying by the EPL website.

"We favoured their game plan because we conceded two quick goals and at 2-0 down it is difficult."

The Frenchman added that the biggest regret he had was that his team conceded three goals in spite of enjoying the lion's share of the possession.

"The biggest regret was we had so much of the ball but we conceded three goals. It is difficult to win away from home after that," the 66-year-old said.

"We struggled to be dangerous, it's true."

Arsenal host Swansea City in their next EPL assignment on Wednesday.