Arsenal and Manchester United in danger of becoming irrelevant among soccer's superpowers

Perhaps it was the pre-game build-up and the litany of references to the past that did it. Maybe it was the cinematic quality of the memories: the violence, the drama, the entertainment. Whatever the reason, as Monday night's FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester United and Arsenal developed, it was hard not to pine for what went before. The clash was a slugfest, devoid of any inspiration or stand-out individuals. But perhaps most worryingly of all was the realization that the two clubs, not long ago bitter rivals, arch-enemies and consistent winners, are now struggling to stay relevant.

Arsene Wenger has endured a difficult decade. Last season's Cup success was Arsenal's first trophy in nine years and many supporters have questioned the wisdom of retaining his services through such a barren run. The counter-argument though is the club's consistent qualification for the UEFA Champions League – a run that dates back to 1998. Still, they haven't managed to navigate past the round of 16 for five years and they'll need to conjure something special to avoid falling at the same stage again this season – an awful 3-1 first-leg defeat to Monaco at the Emirates a fortnight ago was embarrassing but sort of inevitable.

At Old Trafford meanwhile, the club continues to reel from Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013. The transition was interrupted and restarted after David Moyes failed to last a full season as manager. The club, so desperate to be different, paid the price for ignoring perennial winner Jose Mourinho, believing in the fanciful and prehistoric notion of an anointed novice instead. But with Louis van Gaal now in charge, a figure intrinsically linked with winning and progression and a philosophy, the early optimism has ebbed away. Elsewhere in his career, the Dutch coach has overseen some thrilling, vibrant teams. In England, his Manchester United are dull, lifeless and in the midst of an identity crisis.

Watching both struggling sides exchange tired punches on Monday night was akin to two former heavyweights, previously so exciting, exhilarating and powerful, now weary and well-worn. In a Champions League week, where Europe's finest wrestle for a place at the top table, this clash had all the hallmarks of a footnote.

The sparks were rare. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain threatened repeatedly, simply by taking on defenders with his pace and physicality, before being replaced due to injury. Santi Cazorla, having single-handedly defeated reigning champions Manchester City in a Premier League game in January, offered mere glimpses of his ability to unlock defenses. For United, the recently-maligned Angel di Maria – the club's record signing – crossed superbly for Wayne Rooney's goal and had two decent chances. But his lack of defensive nous allowed Nacho Monreal to open the scoring while his sending off was the game's defining moment. Elsewhere, United's other best performers were goalkeeper David de Gea and Antonio Valencia – whose error allowed Danny Welbeck to roll home the winner.

Returning to his old stomping ground and dumping his former employers out of the competition, the ex-United attacker has inevitably grabbed the headlines. But his performance as a line-leading striker was so tepid, it made sense that his goal – his first of 2015 - required such minimal effort. In truth, Arsenal's attacking unit, Oxlade-Chamberlain aside, was subdued. Mesut Ozil, signed for $60-million to provide a sprinkling of magic in the final third, offered little. Alexis Sanchez, a swashbuckling and energetic Chilean, was isolated in a wide area and outside of a late effort that drew a magnificent, finger-tip save from De Gea, failed to deliver.

But what galled most of all was the strategy deployed by the hosts. During his time at Everton, Marouane Fellaini consistently caused United numerous problems. A perfect target under a high ball, the Belgian's close control and sizable frame repeatedly unsettled defenses. But such a simple, throwback tactic, though certainly effective, was never a United ploy – they always seemed better than that, more subtle and creative. Even during the dark days under Moyes, Fellaini was dropped into a deep midfield role and rarely ventured forward.

Seemingly frozen out under Van Gaal, he was brought back as a halftime substitute against West Bromwich Albion last October and his combative nature coupled with the effect he had in the game (he scored a thunderous goal three minutes after being introduced) seemed to appeal to his new manager. Recently, as United's gifted and expensively-assembled strike force has inexplicably lost its way, Fellaini has been used as a battering ram, a focal point in the final third who can control a high ball and irritate defenders. Perhaps what says more is that such a sullied plan has caused various teams problems – Arsenal were the latest to suffer through Fellaini's new-found influence.

Of course, this is nothing more than a desperate measure. Van Gaal seems to be puzzled by English soccer. Nothing he does seems to be working. Despite the numerous formation changes and new personnel, United have no clear pattern. Monday night was the first time that there seemed a proper plan with Fellaini the target man and Rooney - and later di Maria - making supporting runs. They identified Arsenal's left side as a weak spot, Valencia pushed high and the goal came from that flank while a chance fell for di Maria not long after. It was one of United's best displays of the campaign and that's damning given the cringeworthy one-dimensional approach.

As Arsenal look forward to a Cup semi-final date with either Reading or Bradford, it's a welcome and temporary distraction for a club only ever one game away from a crisis. Should Champions League elimination be confirmed next week in the return leg with Monaco, expect more hysteria and the usual calls for Wenger to go.

For United, failure to finish in the top four will be a huge setback. Consecutive seasons without Champions League soccer is an ominous thought and the fear of irrelevance will continue to shadow them for as long as the drift continues.