The clock is ticking on Erik ten Hag’s reign, but the Manchester United boss still has time to all but end Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes.
There’s little to suggest United can earn a result against the imperious Gunners this weekend, but there’s no doubt the Red Devils squad will be keen to make amends for their pitiful display at Crystal Palace on Monday night.
Their 4-0 defeat was just the latest humiliation suffered under Ten Hag’s watch.
Things could get ugly for the hosts this weekend given Arsenal’s free-scoring nature, but, on a more positive note, Ten Hag should welcome back several key players to his matchday squad.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
GK: Andre Onana – There have been very few constants in the United team this season, but summer arrival Onana has been one of them.
RB: Diogo Dalot – The Portuguese full-back can play on both sides, with Ten Hag likely to make a concerted effort to slow down Bukayo Saka on the opposite flank.
CB: Scott McTominay – After Casemiro’s disasterclass showing at Palace, surely the Brazilian can’t be in the firing line against Arsenal? Scott McTominay, not even 100% fit, is hardly the ideal solution but there’s genuinely few other options.
CB: Jonny Evans – The veteran defender will be called upon once again given United’s long list of defensive absentees. Evans has only just returned from a spell out.
LB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka – Wan-Bissaka has offered some versatility this term, and he’ll likely be deployed to shut down Saka this weekend.
CM: Casemiro – Things have gotten ugly for Casemiro, who Jamie Carragher said is “finished” at the highest level. He may be needed switched back into midfield here though, ahead of the equally ineffective Christian Eriksen.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo – Mainoo-mania has quietened down somewhat since his Federico Macheda-esque strike against Liverpool in April.
RM: Alejandro Garnacho – Like Mainoo, Garnacho has endured a quiet few weeks amid a hugely promising campaign. Can he produce a big performance against the Gunners on Sunday?
AM: Bruno Fernandes – After missing the first game of his club career through injury last time out, Fernandes should return to captain United at Old Trafford. There are some doubts over his status, though.
LM: Marcus Rashford – Rashford is back in training and in contention for Arsenal’s visit. The winger hasn’t been at the races this term, but he so often scores against the Gunners.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – The Danish striker has gone cold since returning from injury, but that purple patch at the start of the calendar year showed that he’s worth persevering with.
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