Lisandro Martinez Man United Old Trafford
Man United Old Trafford
After 27 matches, Man United sit 14th in the Premier League, and things could get even worse. On Sunday, the Red Devils welcome second-placed Arsenal to Old Trafford and this game’s outcome could push them further down the table.
United’s league campaign is all but over, and their only hope of silverware is now lying in the Europa League. However, the pressure remains high on Ruben Amorim, who must ensure his boys deliver a strong performance in front of the home crowd.
The Red Devils have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions and have failed to keep a clean sheet in seven consecutive games. Despite playing at Old Trafford, Manchester United will go into this crucial clash as underdogs but fortunately, Arsenal’s recent form has also been shaky which will offer a glimmer of hope to Man United.
While Amorim’s full focus will likely be on next week’s Europa League clash against Real Sociedad, failing to win on Sunday could see Man United drop to 16th place in the league by the end of this matchweek.
Manchester United Team News & Injuries:
Amorim continues to deal with a lengthy injury list with players like Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martínez, Amad Diallo, and Kobbie Mainoo all sidelined for extended periods. Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte missed Thursday’s trip to Spain and are still doubtful for the Arsenal game.
When asked about the pair availability, the Man United manager refused to provide any positive update: “I don’t know. We need to survive Sunday. The team was so tired in the last 20 minutes. We have to prepare for Sunday and then think about the important game on Thursday. But, at this moment, I don’t know.”
If Ugarte is unavailable, it will be a major concern, as the Man United manager will have to rely on Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in central midfield. While both are experienced, they will undoubtedly struggle to cope with the pace and intensity of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
Toby Collyer is back from injury, but he is unlikely to start on Sunday.
At the back, Patrick Dorgu is suspended, meaning Diogo Dalot will shift to left-back, with Noussair Mazraoui covering the right flank. If Maguire is unavailable, Victor Lindelof will likely start in central defence. The Swedish defender has played just 60 minutes in the Premier League this season and will face an uphill task in trying to contain Ethan Nwaneri or Raheem Sterling.
Rasmus Hojlund has endured a difficult season, with his last goal for Man United coming during the second week of December. Given Chido Obi’s impressive performance against Fulham in the FA Cup, there have been calls for him to start on Sunday.
While Amorim has not confirmed his selection, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility either: “Everybody can start. If they are training tomorrow [Friday] and if they played today [Thursday], they can be ready. Chido is on the list, so he can play.”
Obi created several good chances during his 52-minute stint against Fulham. Though Amorim is unlikely to start the 17-year-old, he should feature as a substitute some time in the second half.
With Marcus Rashford gone and Amad Diallo injured, Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee will expected to retain their places in the lineup. The pair combined for Manchester United’s only goal on Thursday night and they will have to make sure they bring their A-game onto the pitch against Arsenal.
Man United Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal:
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Defenders: Lindelof/Maguire, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt
Midfielders: Ugarte/Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes
Forwards: Zirkzee, Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund