The deadlock was broken for Arsenal by Alessia Russo with just over an hour played, but a big United push to avoid defeat saw Melvine Malard score off the bench against the Gunners at LSV for the second year running inside the final 10 minutes.
It was a day of milestones for the Reds, with Millie Turner making her 150th appearance for the club and Marc Skinner managing his 100th game - each was presented a commemorative shirt by United sporting director Dan Ashworth at pitch-side before kick-off. There was also a club record crowd for a United Women fixture at Leigh Sports Village, with 8,348 in attendance.