Despite their turbulent season, Manchester United face Arsenal at Old Trafford in a Premier League clash that carries mighty significance for the Red Devils. With European hopes dangling by a thread after the FA exit at home to Fulham and a worrisome campaign in the Premier League, pride is on the line for the Red Devils. Here’s what United fans need to know all ahead of Sunday’s showdown.
Team News
Ruben Amorim’s squad is stretched to its limits. Nine first-team players are sidelined, including Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and suspended wing-back Patrick Dorgu. Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte face late fitness tests, leaving Victor Lindelof likely to make his first Premier League start this season. Teenage defender Ayden Heaven, a former Arsenal academy product, could also feature, a nod to United’s thin options. During their Europa League draw, Amorim didn’t even have a full bench with all academy players filling in the spot except Eriksen and Lindelof.
Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League draw at Real Sociedad showcased resilience, with Joshua Zirkzee’s clinical finish offering a glimmer of hope. But fatigue looms: “We’re surviving, not thriving,” Amorim admitted, hinting at rotation risks. Chido Obi, ineligible in Europe, may feature to play against his former club, while Bruno Fernandes remains the heartbeat of a side desperate for inspiration.
Mikel Arteta’s side arrives without key attackers Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus, while midfield anchor Kai Havertz and defender Takehiro Tomiyasu are also sidelined. Teenage forward Ethan Nwaneri, fresh off a dazzling Champions League display against PSV, steps into the spotlight alongside emergency striker Mikel Merino.
100 Wins vs. Four Straight Defeats
United have a chance to claim their 100th all-time victory over Arsenal, a historic milestone for a club lately clinging only to its storied legacy. Yet, the Gunners arrive with an edge, having won the last four league meetings. Last season’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford, sealed by Leandro Trossard, marked Arsenal’s first at the Theatre of Dreams in over a decade.
However, Amorim’s men must channel their FA Cup third-round heroics, where a 10-man United triumphed on penalties after a resolute 1-1 draw. “We’ve shown we can compete with the best,” Fernandes said post-match that night—a mantra United need to resurrect.
Key Battles
Bruno Fernandes shoulders immense responsibility as United’s creative engine, with 11 goal contributions in his last 12 appearances. The captain must not only spark attacks but also shield a depleted midfield and defence, especially with Casemiro often isolated in midfield. Alejandro Garnacho’s blistering pace offers a rare bright spot to exploit Arsenal’s high defensive line, particularly against Ben White, could unlock crucial counter-attacks. Defensively, Victor Lindelof and Matthijs de Ligt face a stern test against Arsenal’s frontline, which includes teenager Ethan Nwaneri who is fresh off a Champions League masterclass against PSV’s thumping 7-1 defeat.
Stats Tell the Story
United’s defensive frailty at home is alarming, conceding two or more goals in six of their last seven Premier League games at Old Trafford. Mikel Arteta’s 70% win rate against the Reds, the best of any manager with five or more meetings, adds a different weight to the game. With the league campaign a write-off for United as they sit 14th, their season hinges on overturning a 1-1 Europa League deficit against Real Sociedad next Thursday.
Where to Watch
• UK: Sky Sports (16:30 GMT)
• US: NBC/Peacock (11:30 AM ET)