Manchester United taking on Arsenal is one of the most electric games of the year. Apart from the fixture’s history, its magnitude gets bigger when you take into account both team’s current state. Arsenal are looking to win the title after coming extremely close two times in a row. Whereas United are hoping for a change in fortunes under their new boss.
Manchester United have been bad for a few years now, by bad I mean underwhelming. There is a lot of optimism whenever a new manager comes in, but that generally goes away quickly. Ruben Amorim would be hoping to change that, he recently got his first league win against Everton at the weekend and would hope to build on that.
Liverpool are looking as good as ever, on top of the Premier League and the Champions League. They have lost just one game the entire season in the Premier League and have dropped five points in total. The title race is still alive, and Arteta’s team has picked up form at the right time. However, this has to be the point where The Gunners start to show that their title challenge is serious. They have one of the best set of fixtures for the remainder of the season and a win against an old rival will bolster their confidence.
Injuries play an important part in every game and Manchester United face a few concerns. Bruno Fernandes was seen sitting with an ice pack around his ankle after being taken off against Everton. Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez are unavailable due to suspension. Let’s look at the latest updates on these as well as a few other issues.
Manchester United injury updates
Manchester United fans will be delighted to know that Bruno is fit and is expected to start in the midweek against Arsenal. Amorim said that Bruno is the type of player who doesn’t need much rest. The Portuguese midfielder has been one of the very few bright spots at Manchester United over the last decade and is the heart and soul of the team. After being subbed off in the thumping victory against Everton, he was seen icing his ankle on the bench. This led to speculation about his availability for the Arsenal game but now we know he’s back. If United wish to get something positive out of the game, then he will be the key man for them. He is still the best player inside that dressing room and will be the biggest difference-maker for the visitors.
🚨🔴 Rúben Amorim: “Bruno Fernandes has no problem, no injury”.
“He is a guy who doesn’t need a lot of rest so he is prepared to play again!”. pic.twitter.com/dnn5QDrix6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 2, 2024
Another good news is that Leny Yoro is back in training. The young French defender is seen as one for the future and was also linked with other top European clubs. The plan must be to get him on the field slowly, but with Lisandro Martinez’s suspension and others’ injuries, Yoro might be featured off the bench against Arsenal.
Victor Lindelof’s groin injury has kept him out since the international break in November and with no update on his fitness, it is unlikely that he will make the team. Johnny Evans is also doubtful as he missed the last two games and will be evaluated just before the game.
Add to this the fact that Kobbie Mainoo will also miss the trip to London because of a suspension and the team looks weak. Arsenal will also miss a bunch of important players but by no means are weak.
What to expect?
Manchester United and Ruben Amorim have a long way to go. Facing one of the best teams in the world away from home will be tough for the new manager. Arsenal are looking to close the gap between them and Liverpool, anything less than three points will be disappointing for them.
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