United return to Premier League action on Sunday with Arsenal the visitors to Old Trafford
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Chris Sutton and Paul Merson
Chris Sutton and Paul Merson(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday as they welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim's side's primary focus between now and the rest of the season is winning the Europa League, with that competition not only their last remaining chance of silverware but there only plausible gateway to European qualification next season.
A goal from Joshua Zirkzee saw them draw 1-1 away to Spanish side Real Sociedad in the first leg of their last 16 tie and they will welcome them to Old Trafford in the return leg next Thursday.
But before that they have the small matter of facing the Gunners, who know their slim Premier League title chances will take a huge hit if they lose on Sunday.
United started the weekend in 14th place in the Premier League table and 10 points adrift of the European places and a number of pundits don't hold out much hope of them ripping up the form book against the Gunners.
Chris Sutton
The former Celtic and Blackburn forward told BBC Sport: "I was in Eindhoven on Tuesday to cover Arsenal in the Champions League for 5 Live, and it's a lovely place.
"Eindhoven is the design capital of the Netherlands, known for being a city of innovation and creativity - two of the things Manchester United are sorely lacking at the moment.
"Arsenal have struggled to score in the Premier League but the goals were flowing freely for them against PSV and this feels like it is going to be another rearguard action for Manchester United, similar to the way they got past the Gunners in the FA Cup.
"United do seem to, somehow, raise their game against the better teams and that is the only way they are going to make this close. I still think Arsenal will win it, though.
"Tuesday was the first time I have seen Ethan Nwaneri play in the flesh and I was really impressed with his performance for Mikel Arteta's team.
"Declan Rice was immense in midfield and Martin Odegaard was excellent too. There has been some criticism of his form recently but he really delivered in that game.
"So, although United might try to make things hard for them, I definitely think Arsenal will find a way through. They won't score seven again, but this game has got all the hallmarks of ending up 1-0 to the Arsenal."
Sutton's prediction: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
Paul Merson
The Sky Sports pundit told SportsKeeda: "If we were talking about this fixture 10 years ago, what a game. But still from a fans' perspective, this is still one of the biggest games in English football. I worry for Manchester United if I'm being honest.
"I'd be shocked if Arsenal don't win. Their qualification to the Champions League quarter-final is sealed thanks to the 7-1 first leg win and they can now have a real go here. That makes this a dangerous game for United.
"Arsenal have to keep winning every single game from now on and hope Liverpool slip up. Historically, Manchester United have always turned up for games against Arsenal. But honestly, I don't see them doing it this weekend!"
Merson's prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Arsenal
Mark Lawrenson
The former BBC Sport pundit told Paddy Power: "Manchester United are poor and they keep getting worse. Arsenal are running out of players but they just know what they’re doing which you can’t say for United.
"You have to fancy Arsenal, especially after what they did in midweek."
Lawrenson's prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Arsenal