Manchester United dug deep to knock Arsenal out of the FA Cup the last time the two sides met.
Altay Bayindir starred against Arsenal back in January as Manchester United won a dramatic penalty shootout to knock the Gunners out of the FA Cup in the third round.
United were reduced to 10 men in the second half when Diogo Dalot was sent off for a reckless challenge. Just two minutes later, Arsenal scored an equaliser through Gabriel.
However, Ruben Amorim’s side showed resilience to fend off Arsenal throughout normal and extra time, before winning it via penalties.
It was a strong defensive showing from United, with Bayindir saving Martin Odegaard’s penalty. The back three were also extremely impressive, especially former United captain Harry Maguire.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Harry Maguire ‘dominated’ Arsenal in last meeting
A back three of Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Maguire stood strong against Arsenal’s onslaught in the second half, and the latter had an impeccable game.
Maguire was “crucial” against Arsenal, making several last-ditch challenges as the deepest of United’s three defenders.
He made a staggering 20 defensive actions during his incredible 104-minute display at The Emirates.
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After being mocked by Gunners fans in 2023 under Erik ten Hag, Maguire “dominated” Arsenal in January but his involvement in Sunday’s match is still up in the air.
When asked about any fitness updates on Friday, Amorim said United must “survive” against Arsenal with his squad currently plagued with injury.
“I don’t know, I don’t know,” Amorim told the press. “We need to survive Sunday. The team was so tired in the last 20 minutes [against Real Sociedad].”
Full extent of Man United’s injury crisis before Arsenal clash
Last week, Amorim only named an 18-man squad to face Real Sociedad in the Europa League – and even that included two academy goalkeepers.
As per Premier Injuries, United currently have a 10-man injury list – longer than any other Premier League team.
Lisandro Martinez’s ACL injury puts him among United’s long-term absentees alongside Amad Diallo who could return later this season.
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Mason Mount and Luke Shaw are still recovering, while Manuel Ugarte and Maguire face late fitness checks for the Arsenal clash. Kobbie Mainoo is closing in on a return, although that won’t be against Arsenal.
Tom Heaton, Bayindir and Jonny Evans are also part of United’s alarmingly long injury list.