Arsenal are under increased pressure to get a win at Old Trafford, as Manchester United could potentially end their title challenge.
Erik ten Hag will seek a significant response from his Manchester United charges ahead of the mammoth clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday. Last Monday, The Red Devils were embarrassed by Crystal Palace, who thumped them with a scoreline of 4-0, which does not bode well with the Red Devils’ fanbase.
They have a big chance to make things right with a big performance against Arsenal, as they have traditionally fared well against the Gunners at Old Trafford. However, there is the dilemma of handing neighbours and arch-rivals Manchester City their fourth straight Premier League title. But the Red Devils may still have something to play before their season comes to an end.
After the result against Crystal Palace, Manchester United were pushed to eighth place on the table, which is outside of all European places. It is a terrible situation for ten Hag’s side, who were once in the thick of the top-four race. But now, they need wins from all remaining games to stand a fighting chance to play continental football next season.
At the other end of the table, Arsenal are resigned to the fact that things are not in their hands anymore. Mikel Arteta will rue that sole blemish of a result at home against Aston Villa for their current predicament, with the Spaniard likely to keep pushing Manchester City until the end to stay alive in the fight.
Last weekend, Arsenal dispatched Bournemouth with a comfortable 3-0 scoreline at the Emirates and will once again look to take all three points. As mentioned earlier, should Manchester United take anything from Arsenal at Old Trafford, Manchester City could potentially clinch the Premier League title against Tottenham in midweek should they secure a win in North London.
Once again, things are out of Arsenal’s hands. But should they win all their games and Manchester City drop points in their remaining two fixtures, they have a big chance on their hands. City’s win over Fulham has also resulted in a difference in the goal for Arsenal, meaning the North Londoners must look to correct that with a big win over Manchester United on Sunday.
Team News & Tactics
Manchester United
Manchester United were boosted by the return to training of a few critical stars like Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes, and Scott McTominay ahead of the game against Arsenal. Even Anthony Martial has taken part in full training after recovering from a groin operation.
Erik ten Hag has a few notable absentees to contend with, as defenders Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, and Raphael Varane still need to be in contention. Meanwhile, ten Hag also ruled out the possibility of Martinez playing this clash as he has only returned this week after a long period out of the game.
He also ruled out Mason Mount from the Arsenal clash after a problem picked up in training. With the many defensive injuries, ten Hag might have to name Casemiro and Jonny Evans as his starting central defenders. Still, Fernandes’s inclusion could spark a turnaround in the attacking third.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Dalot; McTominay, Mainoo; Antony, fernandez, Garnacho; Hojlund
Arsenal
Ahead of the trip to Old Trafford, there were some minor doubts within the Arsenal camp, with Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu not being spotted during training ahead of the trip to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United. Mikel Arteta did not rule them out, which is probably an indication that they might have sat out due to load management.
Hence, the duo is expected to start as they have done in Arteta’s strongest-looking team in recent weeks. That means the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus might have to settle for a place on the bench, with the latter likely a bit disappointed after not making the cut for the Brazilian national side for the Copa America.
Arteta will unlikely change anything with his lineup, which has started the last three games in a row. Hence, Jorginho, who signed a new deal this week, will be used from the bench, as Thomas Partey will start at the base of Arsenal’s midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Gabriel Martinelli must also stay content with a place on the bench, as Leandro Trossard will take the left wing.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Key Stats
- Manchester United conceded 81 goals in all competitions; this is their worst tally since the 1976/77 season.
- Manchester United have scored in all of their home games in the Premier League in 2024.
- Arsenal have won 14 of their last 16 matches in the Premier League.
- Arsenal have scored at least two goals in 14 of their last 16 matches in the Premier League.
- Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in six of their last eight matches in the Premier League.
Player to Watch
Bukayo Saka
Having seen his name omitted from the Premier League Player of the Season nominations, Saka will want to make a big point and prove those who selected the process wrong. Saka also has a significant performance pending against Manchester United and will look to make amends when Arsenal visit Old Trafford.
For him, the target would be to keep performing at the highest levels and secure his place in the starting lineup with England ahead of the Euros. A top-notch performance against Manchester United will go a long way in helping him cement that place.
Prediction
Manchester United 1-3 Arsenal
Manchester United have surprised Arsenal many times at Old Trafford when they have been abject before an encounter in the past. However, this time, the depleted defensive ranks will play a big part in their downfall and probably a sad end to their season.
Arsenal are purring with confidence ahead of this challenging trip, but they will be aware of the dangers of a sloppy performance at this venue. However, Mikel Arteta seems to have a well-drilled side and a big plan to overcome adversity and take a big win out of Old Trafford on Sunday.
