Manchester United prepare to face Arsenal at Old Trafford in a crucial Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon. With their season in turmoil, the Red Devils are in desperate need of a positive result but face an Arsenal side that has been one of the league’s standout teams.
United’s inconsistent form has left them languishing in the bottom half of the table, searching for stability before the upcoming international break. A victory over the Gunners would be a significant morale boost, but recent performances suggest that will be a tall order. United have won just one of their last four Premier League matches and will need a huge performance to overcome an Arsenal team full of confidence.
Arsenal arrive in Manchester on the back of an emphatic Champions League performance in which they put seven goals past PSV Eindhoven. They will be eager to carry that momentum into this fixture, especially having secured a win at Old Trafford last season. Given United’s defensive frailties and Arsenal’s attacking strength, the visitors will be confident of another big result.
Injuries continue to plague United’s squad, making team selection even more challenging. With a crucial Europa League clash against Real Sociedad looming, rotation might have been an option, but the stakes in this match are too high to take any risks. The manager is expected to field his strongest possible lineup.
Here’s how Manchester United could line up against Arsenal:
Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper:
Andre Onana – The Cameroon international has been one of United’s most reliable players in recent weeks, making crucial saves to keep his team in matches. He was instrumental in the draw against Real Sociedad and will need to be at his best to deny Arsenal’s relentless attack.
Defenders:
Leny Yoro – The young defender has gained valuable experience this season due to United’s defensive injury crisis. While his performances have been mixed, he continues to develop and will be tested against Arsenal’s fluid attacking movement.
Matthijs de Ligt – With Harry Maguire unlikely to be available, De Ligt is expected to marshal the back three. His leadership and composure will be crucial in dealing with Arsenal’s high press and attacking midfielders.
Victor Lindelof – Injuries to Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, combined with Patrick Dorgu’s suspension, could see Lindelof step in. Though he has been on the fringes of the squad, his experience might prove useful in a high-pressure encounter.
Midfielders:
Diogo Dalot – Dalot will operate on the right, tasked with balancing defensive duties with supporting attacks. His link-up play with United’s forwards will be important in creating chances.
Bruno Fernandes – United’s captain remains the heartbeat of the team, providing creativity and leadership. His ability to unlock Arsenal’s defense with a moment of brilliance will be essential, though he must also help track back against Arsenal’s dynamic midfield.
Casemiro – The veteran midfielder will need to step up in the absence of Manuel Ugarte. Facing a high-energy Arsenal midfield, Casemiro must rely on his positioning and experience to avoid being overrun.
Noussair Mazraoui – With Dorgu suspended, Mazraoui will fill in on the left side. His defensive responsibilities will be significant, as he faces the challenge of keeping Arsenal’s wide players quiet.
Forwards:
Joshua Zirkzee – A confidence-boosting goal against Real Sociedad could earn him a start in the attack. He was the hero in United’s FA Cup win over Arsenal earlier in the season and will hope to make an impact again.
Rasmus Hojlund – The Danish forward is in dire need of a goal, having gone 19 matches without scoring. His work rate remains high, but he has struggled with poor service and confidence issues. A goal against Arsenal would be a massive boost for both him and the team.
Alejandro Garnacho – Another attacker struggling for form, Garnacho has not found the net in 22 games. However, his pace and dribbling ability make him a threat on the counter, which could be United’s best route to goal against Arsenal’s structured defense.
Match Outlook
This fixture presents a huge challenge for United, given Arsenal’s form and attacking prowess. The visitors will look to control possession and exploit United’s defensive weaknesses, while the home side must remain disciplined and take their chances when they arise. If United’s key players can step up, they could make life difficult for Arsenal, but anything less than a top-level performance will likely see them struggle.
