Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday in a Premier League clash with significant implications for both teams. Arsenal, currently second in the table, are chasing the title, while a struggling Manchester United side are realistically fighting for European qualification and desperately need points to climb the table.
Amorim Faces Selection Crisis, Downplays Arteta Comparisons
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim faces a severe injury crisis ahead of the match. Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte have joined a lengthy list of absentees, which already included Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, Altay Bayindir, and Tom Heaton. Patrick Dorgu is also unavailable due to suspension.
Amorim, who succeeded Erik ten Hag in November, has endured a difficult start to his tenure. United are currently 14th in the Premier League and have been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions. The Europa League represents their only remaining chance of silverware, with a last-16 second-leg tie against Real Sociedad looming on Thursday.
Asked about comparisons with Mikel Arteta’s rebuilding project at Arsenal, Amorim was dismissive: “I don’t feel that. I will not have the time that Arteta had. I feel that. It’s a different club. So we just need to survive with the players on Sunday and during these games.”
United’s Recent Form:
United’s recent form has been mixed. They secured a 1-1 draw away to Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, but their squad is severely depleted. Amorim acknowledged the fatigue factor, stating, “The team was so tired in the last 20 minutes. We need to survive Sunday.”
Planned Fan Protest:
The match will also take place against the backdrop of planned protests against United’s owners, the Glazer family. The 1958 fan group is organizing the demonstration, reflecting ongoing discontent despite INEOS’s acquisition of footballing control under Jim Ratcliffe. INEOS holds a significant minority stake, but the Glazers remain majority shareholders.
Amorim acknowledged the fans’ right to protest: “People have the right to protest. I think it’s a good thing to do that. It’s part of our club. Everybody has a voice. But our job and my job is just to improve the team and give them something in this moment because they deserve it and they are amazing.”
Arteta Wary of “Dangerous” United, Highlights Midweek Boost
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, despite his team’s superior league position and United’s struggles, emphasized the threat posed by the Red Devils. Arsenal are currently 13 points behind leaders Liverpool, but with a game in hand, and six points clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest.
“The history of United speaks for itself,” Arteta said on Friday. “The players they have, the club they are – there’s a legacy of overcoming difficult situations, and they’re always a dangerous opponent, especially when you least expect it. Watching their recent games, you can see the character in their squad. They are more than capable of putting in a strong performance and beating you on the day.”
Arteta also highlighted the boost his side received from their emphatic 7-1 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven in midweek. “What happened was we were super effective in the box, and that’s a massive strength, especially in the Champions League, and that’s why we won the game with that margin,” he said. “The manner of the way we did it lifted everybody, but that is in the past unfortunately. It is about what we do today, the preparation for tomorrow and trying to replicate a great performance again on Sunday.” He acknowledged, however, that “every game is different.”
Arsenal’s Recent Form:
Arsenal have lost only two of their last 11 matches, although both defeats have occurred in their last five fixtures.
Head-to-Head:
Historically, this fixture has been a significant rivalry. This will be the 243rd meeting between the two clubs, with Manchester United holding a historical edge (99 wins to Arsenal’s 89). However, Arsenal have dominated recent Premier League encounters, winning their last four, including a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture this season. United’s last victory over Arsenal came in the FA Cup, a competition from which they have since been eliminated.
Arsenal Team News:
Arsenal will be without Myles Lewis-Skelly, who returns from suspension. However, key attacking players Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Takehiro Tomiyasu all remain sidelined due to injury.
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