In this article, Sports Buddy looks at the Manchester United vs Arsenal match preview, team news, head-to-head, and prediction
Manchester United vs Arsenal: Match preview
Sunday’s lone Premier League fixture showcases a clash between two English football giants at Old Trafford, as Manchester United host Arsenal in what promises to be a fierce battle at the Red Devils’ home ground.
Erik ten Hag’s squad is still reeling from their humiliating 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday night, while Arsenal managed to break down Bournemouth’s defenses and secure a 3-0 victory last weekend. Manchester United’s dismal 2023–24 season hit a new low as Crystal Palace secured a historic league double over them with a stunning 4-0 victory at Selhurst Park.
Michael Olise, reportedly a summer transfer target for Manchester United, bolstered his value with a superb brace in the capital, alongside goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell, condemning the Red Devils to their 18th loss of the season in all competitions, setting a new unwanted record with their 13th Premier League defeat.
With their Champions League hopes long gone, Manchester United’s chances of European contention have dwindled further, sitting in eighth place in the standings, behind Chelsea on goal difference, after just one win in their last seven Premier League matches.
However, there’s still a glimmer of hope for Erik ten Hag’s side to secure a Europa League spot through FA Cup success, with a final against Manchester City looming in two weeks’ time, potentially providing a silver lining to an otherwise disappointing season.
Despite conceding a staggering 81 goals in all competitions this season, Manchester United’s home form in the Premier League remains formidable, having scored in every league match at Old Trafford in 2024 so far.
On the other hand, Arsenal faced a resilient Bournemouth side in their last outing, with Bukayo Saka converting a controversial penalty to kickstart their victory, before Declan Rice’s involvement led to goals from Leandro Trossard and himself, securing a comfortable win for the Gunners.
As Arsenal aim to maintain their place at the top of the table, they are well aware of the challenge posed by Manchester United, whom they defeated 3-1 at the Emirates earlier in the season but haven’t achieved a league double over since the 2006–07 campaign.
Manchester United vs Arsenal: Team news
Despite a month of scarce good news for Manchester United fans, the hosts have received a significant quadruple boost, with Marcus Rashford (ankle), Lisandro Martinez (calf), Bruno Fernandes (wrist), and Scott McTominay (knee) all returning to team training.
Anthony Martial could also make a rare appearance after participating in full training following his groin operation, although Ten Hag confirmed that Sunday’s match will likely come too soon for the injury-riddled Martinez.
However, a slew of players, including Tyrell Malacia (knee), Willy Kambwala (unspecified), Victor Lindelof (thigh), Raphael Varane (muscle), Harry Maguire (muscle), and Luke Shaw (thigh), remain sidelined, alongside newcomer Mason Mount, leaving Ten Hag with little choice but to persist with Casemiro at center-back, despite his struggles against Crystal Palace.
In contrast, Arsenal may arrive at the Theatre of Dreams with a fully fit squad, although Arteta mentioned slight doubts regarding Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu in his press conference, though this could be strategic ambiguity from the Gunners boss.
There remains a lingering uncertainty over Jurrien Timber’s availability as well; despite playing two games for the Under-21s after his ACL injury, he was not included in the squad for the Bournemouth victory.
However, Timber would likely only make the bench at Old Trafford anyway, as Arteta is unlikely to tinker with a winning formula, with Thomas Partey expected to continue as the visitors’ number six over Jorginho, who recently extended his contract in North London. With 20 goals in all competitions this season, Saka has been instrumental against Manchester United in the Premier League, contributing five times, including three goals and two assists. Therefore, it would be surprising not to see him start despite his recent setback.
Manchester United vs Arsenal: Possible lineup
Manchester United:
Onana; Dalot, Casemiro, Evans, Wan-Bissaka; McTominay, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
Arsenal possible:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Manchester United vs Arsenal: Head-to-head record
Manchester United vs Arsenal head-to-head record as per M.aiscore.
Manchester United: 31 wins
Arsenal: 21 wins
Draw: 16
Manchester United vs Arsenal prediction: Man Utd. 1 – 2 Arsenal
With key components returning to strengthen the Manchester United attack, there’s a looming threat for the Arsenal defense, which narrowly escaped unscathed from their clash with Bournemouth.
However, it’s not the Arsenal backline that should be feeling the pressure this weekend. Despite their injury woes, Manchester United continues to concede shots and goals at an alarming rate, putting them at risk of being exploited by their high-scoring opponents. Arsenal, poised to rise to the occasion at Old Trafford, could keep Manchester City on their toes for the time being.