General view inside the Emirates stadium
Manchester United are on the road at Arsenal in the Premier League today
Manchester United travel to the Emirates this afternoon looking to maintain their magical start under Michael Carrick. The Reds beat Manchester City in the derby last weekend with a convincing 2-0 victory to hand the interim boss a dream start to the job.
The task today is an even tougher one as they visit league leaders Arsenal. The Gunners are four points clear at the top and have lost twice in the league all season.
Carrick has a near fully-fit squad to choose from although Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with injury. Joshua Zirkzee is also absent and Carrick must decide whether to recall either Benjamin Sesko or Matheus Cunha to the XI after both were on the bench for the derby.
United will move above Liverpool if they avoid defeat while a victory will ensure they end the weekend in fourth place. We will have all the build-up, action, reaction and analysis right here in the live blog so stay with us.
How United should line up
have the chance to solidify their position in the hunt for the top-four this weekend if they can beat the leaders who have not lost since the beginning of December. If they are to do that, they will need to do it without and .
De Ligt has been missing since the victory over Crystal Palace with a back issue which has persisted longer than was expected. said in his pre-match press conference he hoped the defender would return to training in the next couple of weeks.
Zirkzee has a small issue and should be back soon after missing the City win. was handed an extended break following the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final but has since returned to the squad.
***This***is how MEN Sport's United writers think Carrick should line up the Reds vs Arsenal.
Carrick's Solskjaer chat
Carrick has revealed that he has spoken to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since beating him to the interim job. Carrick, Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy were considered to take charge of United for the remainder of the campaign, but Carrick landed the role.
United sources described Carrick as 'impressive' throughout the interview process, and he made a dream start to his interim role by overseeing a stunning victory against last weekend.
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(Image: 2021 Alex Livesey - Danehouse)
Welcome along
Carrick's at the wheel!
After the magnificent victory over Manchester City last weekend can United's interim boss continue his dream start and down Arsenal at the Emirates?
It would be some statement if he did. The Gunners have been imperious this season and are looking to restore their seven point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Kick off is 4.30pm but between now and then we will bring you plenty of build-up and all the latest news from Old Trafford.
(Image: 2021 Manchester United FC)