Preview: Manchester United vs Arsenal – stats, team news, line-ups
Arsenal travel to face a beleaguered Manchester United in a Premier League (PL) clash with massive ramifications for the title race.
The historic Old Trafford, usually a fortress, now bears the scars of a disappointing season for the Red Devils.
Man United received a 4-0 thumping from Crystal Palace in their last PL match and are still licking the wounds from the embarrassing rout.
Erik ten Hag’s side looked listless as Palace ran riot in London, making their counterparts look almost amateurish.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are riding a wave of confidence and extended their winning run to four wins from their last four league games following a comprehensive victory over AFC Bournemouth last weekend.
The Gunners took their time to break down the cherries, but they were clinical and dismantled their opponents in a hard-fought match.
Mikel Arteta will ask for more of the same from his side in the crucial contest against Man Utd.
This match promises to be a fascinating encounter with plenty at stake for both sides so make sure to buy Man Utd vs Arsenal tickets at seatsnet.com to witness all the live action from the 205th instalment of this legendary PL showdown.
The mood at Old Trafford couldn’t be more contrasting. Many United fans thought the club had reached its lowest point when they drew relegation-threatened Burnley, not knowing the debacle ahead for the team.
United were thoroughly trounced at Selhurst Park, with reported target Michael Olise bagging a delightful brace.
In-form striker Jean-Philippe Mateta compounded United’s misery, netting his seventh goal in his last eight games and taking his tally for the season to 12 league goals. Tyrick Mitchell also got on the scoresheet.
United’s season has been a full-blown disappointment. Their Champions League dreams are long gone, and after a dismal run of just one win in seven, they sit outside of European contention, crashing to eighth place.
United are in danger of missing out on European football. The FA Cup remains their only shot at glory, but even that seems like wishful thinking, with Manchester City awaiting them in the final.
Defensively, United have been a shambles, conceding 81 goals in all competitions – their worst record since the 1970s. Their negative goal difference only paints a grimmer picture.
However, the Reds can take solace in their scoring record at home, having netted in every Premier League game at Old Trafford in 2024.
On the other hand, Arsenal are still chasing Man City in the Premier League title race and need a win to keep the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side.
Their win over Bournemouth kept them a point ahead of City, but the Cityzens have a game in hand.
The Gunners will draw confidence from their win against United in September.
Marcus Rashford gave United the lead, but captain Martin Odegaard cancelled it almost immediately before Arsenal dispatched their counterparts with two late goals.
Arsenal’s recent record against United will also bolster their confidence, having won six of their last ten encounters (D2, L2).
A win at Old Trafford would be a massive statement of intent for Arsenal, solidifying their title challenge. They can also set a new club record for Premier League wins in a single season.
However, Arsenal haven’t done the double over United since the 2006/07 season.
Arsenal are the favourites on paper, but United’s home record against them suggests it could be a close contest.
The Gunners’ ability to handle the pressure of the title race and United’s desire to end their season on a high will be crucial factors in determining the outcome.
Match Preview
Arteta’s men have been in imperious form, winning 14 of their last 16 match-ups (D1, L1), with Bukayo Saka leading the charge.
The young attacker has been a thorn in United’s side, scoring or assisting in his last four Premier League games against them. Only Thierry Henry(12) has been involved in more goals against the Red Devils for Arsenal in the top flight.
However, Arsenal are on a roll, boasting an eight-game unbeaten run away from home (W7, D1).
Arsenal have kept ten away clean sheets in the PL this term, last keeping more in a single top-slight campaign in the 1990/91 season (13).
They are also seeking their first league double over United since 2006/07 and their third consecutive win against them for the first time since 1998.
Interestingly, Arsenal have lost their final away league game in three of their previous four seasons under Arteta, the only outlier being their 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace in 2021.
However, the North Londoners are unbeaten when facing United in their final PL away game (W1, D2), securing the title with a famous 1-0 victory at Old Trafford in 2002 thanks to a Sylvain Wiltord strike.
United are enduring a nightmare season. Ten Hag’s side sit a lowly eighth in the table and are facing a genuine battle to qualify for Europe next season.
Their 4-0 thrashing by Palace was a new low. It was their 18th defeat in all competitions, the worst record since the 1977/78 season.
Despite United’s poor form, history suggests an upset could be on the cards. The Red Devils have lost just one of their last 16 home league games against Arsenal, (W10, D5).
Rashford has a strong record against the Gunners, scoring four and assisting two in his last four league starts against them. United will also be hoping Rasmus Hojlund rediscovers his scoring touch.
Team news & potential line-ups
United have received a crucial boost ahead of their clash with Arsenal, with Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, and Marcus Rashford returning to training this week.
However, despite also returning to training, Lisandro Martinez is not yet ready to feature.
Mason Mount has joined the growing injury list. The former Chelsea man has missed 27 matches this season after sustaining three separate injuries.
United will still be without Raphael Varane, Willy Kambwala, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Tyrell Malacia this weekend, with Scott McTominay doubtful for the game.
Anthony Martial is nearing a return from injury and could be in the matchday squad.
Arsenal are enjoying a clean bill of health for the first time this season. Jurrien Timber could make his first appearance since the opening day, bolstering their defensive options.
Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu are the only slight concerns for Mikel Arteta’s men. Expect the former to still feature for the Gunners despite his bruised shin.
Man United potential starting line-up:
(4-2-3-1): Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Aaron Wan-Bissaka; Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho; Rasmus Hojlund.
Arsenal potential starting line-up:
(4-3-3): David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior; Martin Odegaard, Jorginho, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard.
