Cristiano Ronaldo once emphasised his position as the world’s most dangerous attacker with a stunning brace at The Emirates.
Having scored a staggering free-kick in the first half of Manchester United's Champions League semi-final with Arsenal in 2009, he capped the performance with one of the most memorable counter-attacking goals in recent history.
More than a decade on, with PSV taking on the Gunners in the Europa League, Gakpo - a man touted as a possible replacement for the 37-year-old Ronaldo - was given a chance to replicate the Portuguese’s feats on the very same pitch.
However, this was a very different contest with Gakpo limited to a peripheral figure, with Mikel Arteta deploying a clear plan to stifle his attacking threat. The prolific PSV forward came into the game vs the Gunners with a staggering 24 goal involvements (13 goals, 11 assists) from just 18 matches.
But that tally never looked like increasing as the inspired selection of Takehiro Tomiyasu meant he was never able to exert any type of influence on proceedings. Tomiyasu has been in and out of Arsenal’s side but proved his worth during the routine 1-0 win.
It will have been a frustrating night for the ambitious Gakpo, 23, who has been open about his desire to ultimately test himself against the likes of Arsenal and their Premier League rivals.
Despite his quiet display vs Arteta’s side, Gakpo remains a firm favourite of United talent spotters. And they look almost certain to be on the lookout for more attacking firepower as Ronaldo’s second stint at the club continues its rapid descent into full-blown farce.
On Thursday, minutes before Gakpo kicked off, the Red Devils confirmed the 37-year-old was axed from the squad vs Chelsea, having refused to come on as a sub against Tottenham.
There is now an ever-increasing likelihood that Ronaldo will be granted his wish of leaving at the turn of the year, with a mutual termination of his whopping contract not out of the question. Gakpo will be near the top of the list when it comes to potential replacements, having almost signed him before the start of the season.
Gakpo admitted he was “close” to making the move to Old Trafford and in an interview with the Times made it clear he wanted to play in the Premier League in the future.
"In the end the deal didn’t go through, which was a shame,” he explained. "But if I got the chance to go to the Premier League or something, of course I would have to consider that option. At that time it was hectic for me but I recovered pretty quickly."
This was by no means Gakpo’s finest hour and in defeat, in fact he was outshone by his younger teammate Xavi Simons. But his future won’t be decided on one game alone. And Ruud van Nistelrooy, United legend-turned PSV boss is confident his form over the last two seasons speaks for itself - and teased a decision over his future was close.
Pre-match he said: "It's not only Premier League clubs after him. His quality and form over the last three or four months has been exceptional. His stats and goals draw the attention of big clubs in European football.
"He is 23 and is focusing on his career with us at club level and having a great World Cup. He wants to continue that. When the time comes he will make decisions."
United's need for a Ronaldo replacement is only set to intensify and Gakpo won't have to wait long for another chance to put forward his own credentials. Arsenal travel to Eindhoven next week and he will be hoping to put his best foot forward against the side currently topping the league he is so keen to play in.
