Manchester United take on Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, hoping to make it back-to-back wins after beating Man City last week.
Arsenal have a healthy lead at the top of the Premier League, but they won’t want to lose any ground in the title race when Manchester United visit the Emirates.
It’s a chance for the Red Devils to demonstrate sustained improvement under Michael Carrick, who won his first game back as head coach in the 198th Manchester derby, as United beat City 2-0 at Old Trafford.
What should be Manchester United’s front three against Arsenal?
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The Gunners go into the game after beating Inter Milan 3-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday night. They are also on course to challenge for the Premier League title, with a seven-point lead over second-placed City.
Meanwhile, United are sitting fifth, just one point behind Liverpool in fourth, albeit with a stronger goal difference.
Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal players after beating Inter Milan
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Arsenal fan expects win over Man Utd
Ahead of the game, United In Focus caught up with Arsenal fan and Arsenal Insider journalist Rosie Tudball to get some perspective from the opposition ahead of the match.
Arsenal will be looking to do the double over United, after coming away from Old Trafford with a 1-0 win on the opening day of the Premier League season.
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Among the topics discussed is Viktor Gyokeres, who was linked with a move to United before he signed for Arsenal in the summer. The Swede has thus far struggled to adapt to Mikel Arteta’s system, but there are bound to be questions over whether the 27-year-old is suited to the Premier League.
A lot has happened since the opening game of the season when Arsenal came away from Old Trafford with three points. As an Arsenal fan, what are you expecting from United with Michael Carrick at the wheel?
“I’m certainly expecting a lot more than the United we saw under Ruben Amorim, which will come as no surprise. I watched the Manchester derby and went from feeling brilliant to unwell, remembering that we’re next.
“Carrick has given United their spark back, as was to be expected with a legend coming in to revive hope, but what he’s also given is some much-needed tactical fluidity.
Michael Carrick is off to the PERFECT START at Man Utd, and he wants more!
Why do you think it went SO RIGHT for Carrick against City?
Carrick graphic
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“I’m expecting Arsenal to be tested in midfield in a way that they arguably haven’t this season. Watching how United operated against City was mesmerising, so naturally, I’m expecting it to be a game won in midfield.”
How do the fans feel about Mikel Arteta, and could patience run out if Arsenal bottle the Premier League title race?
“No one is against Mikel Arteta right now, but I’d say the fanbase is split, perhaps 70/30, in that this has to be the year.
“Our squad depth, current lead and where we’re at with the project, we need to see silverware. So, while nothing is decided yet, the idea of us not winning the league is something that doesn’t bear thinking about.
“It would bring a level of uncertainty that Arteta hasn’t experienced since he first arrived, that’s for sure.
“Personally, I have just one complaint about Arteta: control always outweighs spontaneity. I’d love to see an injection of the unexpected in the final third – it’s cost us several times.”
What are your earliest memories of the United vs Arsenal rivalry?
“I remember growing up and being told by my late Dad, you can’t hate Tottenham more than Man United. I wondered why, as I’d been conditioned to dislike Spurs, but in his eyes, it was Arsenal vs Man United above any other rivalry.
“Strangely, United mean a lot to me, that Wenger/Fergie rivalry was transformative, fierce and peak Premier League, I think deep down, both sets of fans yearn for the two clubs to compete at the top again.”
Who has been Arsenal’s best player of the season?
“Declan Rice has been unplayable for about 95% of our games. Just as you think he’s at his best, he finds a new level. He’ll be key on Sunday.
“I’d give a shout-out to Gabriel Magalhaes as well; he’s an immovable force and, in my opinion, the best centre-back in the world right now.”
United were linked with Viktor Gyokeres in the summer before he signed for Arsenal. Are you happy with the Swedish striker?
“I was shocked that Amorim didn’t pull Gyokeres to United, but to be honest, I now see why he didn’t. Gyokeres is a top finisher, a strong asset and someone who, contrary to belief, has improved how Arsenal build play. I am doubtful as to whether he is the striker we needed, though.
“He looks a level below the Premier League right now. Whether that changes, I’m not sure.”
What United player, if any, would you like to see at Arsenal?
“Two come to mind without thought: Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
“Bruno is a mile ahead of Martin Odegaard in that role; I’m convinced any Arsenal fan who says otherwise is lying.
“What Amorim did to Mainoo baffled me; he’s a player of top quality with a ceiling that has no limit. He’s one player I’m particularly wary of ahead of Sunday. If he were a Gunner, I’d have no worries about who would succeed Declan Rice.
Bruno Fernandes cut City apart – now he needs to do it against Arsenal next weekend!
He was extremely unlucky to have a goal ruled out of his own
Fernandes
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What do you think of Manchester United as a club, the current team, and finally the fans?
“Massive. I don’t need to say too much more. Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, that’s English football.
“The current team…not so massive. A lot of work is needed. If I saw the Man United team sheet without knowing it was United, I’d think they were mid-table at best.
“The fans, I feel for them. It’s one thing being an Arsenal fan and going from Invincible to no Premier League title, but another to be a club of United’s stature, losing Fergie and almost accepting mediocrity. Still, some of the best fans in the country, loyal and always there to make themselves heard.”
Prediction for Sunday?
“After two 0-0 draws, Arsenal have to win, and I think we will. I’m going to go 3-1.”
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