Manchester United are back in business and it seems that Solskjaer’s men have bounced back after two successive home defeats. It has been a pretty good comeback after the international break. Rashford was undoubedly the star performer for United and the main architect of the victories. Their triumph came against Newcastle United, Paris Saint Germain followed with a much clinical performance against German League table topper RB Leipzig. Now Manchester United are ready for an another tough challenge when they welcome Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at the Old Trafford in Sunday’s Premier League clash. Red Devils and Gunnars has always been one of the Premier League stand-cut fixtures.
It was frustrating goal-less draw for United against Chelsea. Though chance of winning the contest was slightly titled towards United’s favor. Attempted shots and chances created were much more than Chelsea. But once again it was Mendy who is currently Lampard first choice goalkeeper denied thrice that kept United at bay.
Greenwood over James in the starting lineup for United
United’s 19 year old star has been the consistent player for the Red Devils. He has delivered United with sumptuous goals whenever they where in need. And he should obviously be the first preference for Solksjaer if he really want to get a positive result. James had a decent last season, contributed with a goal on his debut at his new home. But the turn of the year has substantially slow down as he hasn’t recorded a goal or a assist since a long time. James would not be a right choice for Solskjaer against a team like Arsenal who defends deep. And playing against a strong team like Arsenal, one club needs to bring an A-class game right from the beginning.
Squad Depth
Bench strength is definitely one of the keys to success. Ole used his squad depth to the fullest against RB Leipzig. He has been keeping Van de Beek in the squad but still haven’t used his talent at the right junctures. It might not be easy to fit Van de Beek, Pogba and Fernandes all together because of their similar technical qualities. Generally players with fresh pair of legs are required as a tactical substitution.
So it won’t be a bad option for Ole to use Beek, Fernandes and Greenwood in the attacking midfield and keeping Pobga in the bench. Cavani, who almost scored his first goal in his first touch for United is an another potential player for United against Arsenal.
Mctominay and Fred: A perfect duo for United against Arsenal
The Brazilian International has been the unsung hero for us in the past few days. That is the reason he is becoming simply un-droppable. He has turned out to be a key figure in their successful run of results. It’s looks Mctominay and Fred have become a perfect duo in front of the United’s defense line. They won six freekicks and regained position 14 times. Matic who is generally a bit slow with his moves and may not be a idle selection against a fast paced looking Arsenal.
Rashford who is in prime form is a perfect center-forward player
The English forward looks to be in prime form especially after those two successive home defeats. If scoring goals is an art then Rashford is the picasso of it. He has 5 goals and 1 assist in his name in his last 4 encounters across all competition. He came off the bench at 68′ and scored a magnificent 16 minute hattrick to give his club a splendid win over Leipzig. This has been the one of the most impactful substitution for Solksjaer and would like to carry on this form. Interestingly, Rashford has contributed 32 goals from 59 appearances as left wing and 26 appearances from 58 centre forward.
Solid United Defence to shut out Arsenal?
Barring those own goals from Shaw and Martial in their respective matches, the defense looks firm enough. They and have managed to keep 2 clean sheets in last 4 matches. When a club scores ample of goal, the defensive performance gets overshadowed by the attacking one automatically. Wan-Bissaka and Lindelof has been in top notch. The English right back was a complete wall for a consecutive Champions league outings. Aubameyang has scored just one goal in his name so far this season. He would be hungry for scoring more which means Luke Shaw will need to be at his best in the left side. Telles who made an impressive debut is set to miss the upcoming matches as he was tested COVID positive. He could have been a perfect player for the United vs Arsenal game.
