Manchester United travel to Arsenal this afternoon looking to continue their momentum following the victory over Manchester City last weekend
Manchester United return to Premier League action this afternoon as they travel to Arsenal in the Premier League. The Reds are full of confidence, according to interim head coach Michael Carrick and they have every reason to be after a brilliant victory over Manchester City last weekend.
United have kept themselves firmly in the hunt for a place in the top-four and will be right in the mix at the end of today if they can beat Arsenal. The table toppers have not lost since the beginning of December and have not tasted defeat at the Emirates Stadium all season.
So the Reds know the scale of the challenge which awaits them and Carrick’s team selection is therefore crucial. Having dealt with Erling Haaland perfectly last weekend, United have to start Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez together again at the Emirates Stadium. Ayden Heaven would love a run out against his old club, but the experienced duo works better.
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It is no secret how much Arsenal love to use set pieces and so many of their goals come from dead ball scenarios. Both Maguire and Martinez are experienced enough to deal with that sort of bombardment this weekend.
In midfield, Casemiro announced his exit from United at the end of the season to stop any speculation circulating about his future. While he may be gone at the end of this season, he still has to start when available. The Brazilian is United’s best holding midfielder and will be needed against the Gunners.
Alongside him should be Kobbie Mainoo. He was frozen out under Ruben Amorim but showed no signs of rustiness against City last weekend.
His inclusion would also allow Bruno Fernandes to play in the more advanced No.10 role which he is much better suited in. Who leads the line is a big question for the Reds as options are suddenly available to them.
Benjamin Sesko scored three goals in two matches before being benched against City last weekend. Carrick spoke about using the Slovenian, Joshua Zirkzee and Bryan Mbeumo in rotation, with different games calling for different attributes.
But, having scored and looking so dangerous on the counter in the last game, Mbeumo has to start again while Sesko will once again be forced to miss out. Matheus Cunha is another one likely to be on the bench again but with him, Mason Mount and Sesko there, United suddenly have options if they need to change the game.
United predicted XI vs Arsenal: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo, Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo
