United must get back to winning ways against Arsenal

Manchester United host Arsenal on Thursday night in Matchday 14. A win is the only thing that will do for United. After a positive result at the Bridge the table still looks concerning for United. Manchester United lie eighth and twelve points behind top spot and five points behind their next opponents. Even beating Arsenal only guarantees they will move closer to the Gunners but not ahead.

Arteta’s team are in very good form winning five of their last six games. They were humiliated by Liverpool as the class and counter attacks from Liverpool demolished Arsenal and they were made to pay for their own errors due to the Reds’ high press. A win for Arsenal could move them into fourth provided West Ham lose tomorrow.

United haven’t beaten Arsenal in the league since Arsene Wenger left the club in 2018. They need a win now more than ever and would boost confidence ahead of a crucial run in December. Here’s all you need to know:

Match Information:

Teams: Manchester United and Arsenal
Date: Thursday 2nd December 2021
KO Time: 20:15 GMT
Stadium: Old Trafford
Managers: Michael Carrick and Mikel Arteta
Referee: Mike Dean

Team News:

Manchester United remain without Raphael Varanel, Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani with long-term injuries. Varane is back on grass but will be at least another week before being available.

Mason Greenwood returned to the bench and is in contention to start. Harry Maguire is set to start after serving his one-game suspension. Ralf Ragnick will not be in charge tomorrow as the club sorts out his visa. Michael Carrick will take charge after winning his first game and drawing to Chelsea on Sunday.

As for Arsenal, the Gunners will be without Sead Kolasinac and Granit Xhaka due to long-term injuries. Bukayo Saka is a doubt following his injury on Saturday against Newcastle. Tierney is ready to play but may remain on the bench with Tavares impressing of late.

Interesting Facts:

• Manchester United have failed to score in four of their last five league games to Arsenal. The only scorer for United in that time was Scott McTominay.
• Cristiano Ronaldo is a goal away from 800 goals for club and country and has 6 goals and 2 assists in 15 appearances against Arsenal.
• Manchester United have kept one clean sheet against Arsenal in the last 16 appearances against the Gunners. However, that clean sheet was the most recent one in January 2021.

Manchester United vs Arsenal Predicted XI:

I expect United to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. With Ronaldo inevitably coming back into the lineup, Carrick is likely to have a team that will press around him and counter. For that reason, I expect McFred to start behind Fernandes, Sancho and Rashford with Ronaldo leading the line. In defence, I expect Telles to start as he impressed on Sunday and didn’t really put a foot wrong. I think Maguire comes in for Bailly despite being relatively steady against Chelsea. Wan-Bissaka and Lindelof will start, as will de Gea.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Telles; McTominay, Fred; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo

Predicted Score:

I think United will do what they have done in the last two games; sit back and then press high after 25/20 minutes. It will cause Arsenal problems and will lead to big chances. It’s just whether United take them.

Predicted Score: United to win 3-1