Manchester United will line up against Arsenal without new midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, although Rasmus Hojlund might make his debut.
Erik ten Hag will use all available options as he takes Manchester United to the Emirates to face Arsenal on Sunday evening. There is a lot of talk around team selection, although, with a growing injury list, the choices are obvious for the Dutchman.
During his pre-match press conference, ten Hag gave a few updates on some new arrivals and summer signing Rasmus Hojlund’s availability to face the Gunners. The Dutchman insisted the Danish forward is ready to start against Arsenal.
Ten Hag said, “Yes, he’s had a good training week. Tomorrow, we will have a final training session, but he’s doing well; he’s responding well. So, yeah, he’ll be available for Sunday’s game. I think he’s ready to start.”
Three new players arrived on deadline day: Sergio Reguilon, Altay Bayindir and Sofyan Amrabat. They could not register the Moroccan midfielder in time, as his move happened very late in the window, but the other two are available. With a lack of depth in the goalkeeping department, Ten Hag confirmed the Turkish keeper will form part of his squad on Sunday.
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Ten Hag said, “He will be in the squad as well, Altay. So, [we’re] happy we have the goalkeeper group fully there. “I think we have a very good keeper group with the arrival of Altay.”
As for the injury list, ten Hag will miss some of his key stars ahead of the crucial clash at the Emirates. Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane are set to miss several weeks. While Reguilon seems ready and available, the manager may continue with Diogo Dalot at the left-back.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka will keep his place at right-back. Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez will likely continue with their central partnership. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen will form the central midfield partnership as Bruno Fernandes takes the advanced role.
Some may doubt whether ten Hag’s admission about Hojlund starting could yet be mind games before the clash. But if the striker is fit enough, then the manager should consider doing so, as these are the games he signed for.
The prospect of Antony and Marcus Rashford in support may give the Manchester United frontline a daunting look. In truth, the chances of Anthony Martial leading the line may seem higher, but only ten Hag will know.
Probable Arsenal XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Martinez, Dalot; Eriksen, Casemiro; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford, Martial
