Manchester United has had a tough season – but they hope to end their Premier League off on a high note by beating the league leaders, Arsenal. This is one of the biggest games of the year, as Manchester United is going for a top in the Europa League competition and Arsenal is struggling to hold onto first place as Manchester City is hot on their tails.
Manchester United vs. Arsenal: Preview
Manchester United
Manchester United just came off of a horrible loss against Crystal Palace. Albeit, they are not the only ones who have suffered a shocking defeat to Palace – just ask Liverpool and the implications of that match.
United lost on Monday night, sending Ten Hag’s squad into disagreements and disarray before the crowd’s very eyes. Olise, one of the brightest stars in the league and the leader of Palace, scored two goals at Selhurst Park in front of the home crowd. Mateta and Mitchell also added to the score sheet to send Manchester United packing.
Manchester United needs to get a win just for ego’s sake. They are currently in the midst of one of their worst seasons ever in the club – or, at least since 1976, when the team conceded more than 81 goals in a single year. Manchester United has only won one out of their last six games.
Arsenal
To make matters worse for a struggling Manchester United team that is down in the dumps, Arsenal FC is coming off of a huge win against Bournemouth that saw tons of the squad get on the scoresheet. The victory was truly shared among every Gunner out on the field, as Rice helped with numerous assists, Saka scored a calm penalty, and Trossard found the back of the net for his team.
Along with their huge victory vs. Bournemouth, Arsenal’s last six games have seen them win five matches, putting them in a great spot to continue their fine form in first place.
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Manchester United vs. Arsenal Probable Starting Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, Casemiro, Evans, Wan-Bissaka; McTominay, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
Arsenal (4-3-3-): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Manchester United vs. Arsenal: Head-to-Head
Old Trafford was rocking when we last hosted Arsenal ?#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 11, 2024
In the last six times Manchester United faced off against Arsenal, the score is even – United has won three and Arsenal won three. The last matchup saw Arsenal beat the Red Devils 3-1, whereas the prior meeting in the Autumn of 2023 saw United win 2-0 against the Gunners.
Injury Report
Arsenal don’t have any injuries to speak on, which only furthers the chances of a huge evening tonight. However, Arteta did hint at Saka and Tomiyasu possibly being rested for the game vs. Manchester United for precautionary measures.
On the other hand, Manchester United has a slew of injured players that will only make their night more difficult. Martial could potentially come on to make an impact, after having received very few minutes so far this year.
Malacia, Varane, Lindelof, Kambwala, Maguire, and Luke Shaw are all out of the picture for United tonight, highlighting a real lack of defenders in the squad. Hence, why Casemiro was put at center back – and barely lived to tell the tale.
Can United enact revenge on Arsenal, or will the Gunners seal the deal with three points?
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.