Nasri scored a goal in each half to help Arsenal bag the three points, while substitute Rafael scored United's only goal.

The win gave Arsenal a two-point advantage over United as the former jump to third place, three points adrift of joint leaders Chelsea and Liverpool.

Arsene Wenger was forced to field in Nicklas Bendtner alone upfront, with first-choice duo Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin Van Persie out through injury and suspension respectively.

Nonetheless, Theo Walcott made a surprise return to the starting eleven after he missed out on the 0-0 Champions League draw with Fenerbahce last week.

United looked the closer of the two sides to finding the net as Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney were guilty of missing the target inside the opening 20 minutes.

However, the Gunners punished their visitors when Nasri smashed in a low half-volley, which took a slight deflection off Gary Neville before beating Edwin Van der Sar in the 22nd minute.

The little Frenchman doubled his side's lead three minutes after the break, finishing off a superb through ball by Cesc Fabregas, but the cracking finish from Nasri was even greater.

United had a chance to get back into the game within one minute, but Cristiano Ronaldo spurned a clear-cut opportunity as his point-blank range volley went wide.

The on-fire Nasri had a considerable penalty appeal turned down in the 73rd minute, when his shirt was clearly pulled by Nemanja Vidic.

Eleven minutes from time, Arsenal had to take off goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, who was caught in the face by Michael Carrick's boot. Lukasz Fabianski came in.

Brazilian winger Rafael hit a stunning consolation goal for United in the 90th minute, when he beat Fabianski with a spectacular left-footed volley from 20 yards out.

Watch Arsenal's goals

Watch United's goal