The biggest test of Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United so far arrives on Wednesday night as the Red Devils take on Arsenal at the Emirates.
The Gunners have been roaring since returning from the November international break, winning their previous three games by an aggregate score of 13-3. Mikel Arteta’s side cruised past Nottingham Forest before running five past Sporting CP and West Ham in comprehensive victories.
The title contenders have found their mojo again, but there is a nine-point deficit to cover for Liverpool.
United are unbeaten under new manager Amorim, but the Portuguese manager’s reign at Old Trafford is still in its infancy. The signs were undoubtedly positive, however, and they go into Wednesday’s game having beaten Everton 4-0 on Sunday.
The rise of Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo’s standout performances at wing-back were two highlights of Amorim’s tenure after two weeks.
There you go 90 minutes preview this Wednesday Premier League conflict.
Arsenal vs Man Utd H2H Results (Last Five Matches)
Current form (all competitions)
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Arsenal |
Manchester United |
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West Ham 2-5 Arsenal – 30/11/24 |
Manchester United 4-0 Everton – 01/12/14 |
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Sporting CP 1-5 Arsenal – 26/11/24 |
Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/Glimt – 28/11/24 |
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Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest – 23/11/24 |
Ipswich Town 1-1 Man Utd – 24/11/24 |
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Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal – 24/11/10 |
Man Utd 3-0 Leicester – 10/11/24 |
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Inter 1-0 Arsenal – 24/11/06 |
Man Utd 2-0 PAOK – 24/11/07 |
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Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
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United Kingdom |
Amazon Prime Video |
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United States |
Peacock |
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Canada |
TSN+ |
The Gunners have some fresh injury concerns and Mikel Merino looks unlikely to play on Wednesday after missing Saturday’s win in east London with a knee injury.
Thomas Partey was also absent at the weekend, but the fact that he traveled with the squad to the London Stadium has to be taken as a positive sign. He could return to the team against United.
Gabriel is expected to be fit to start despite suffering from a hamstring which forced him off at half-time on Saturday. He will partner William Saliba at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu out for the hosts.
Arsenal predicted line-up against United (4-3-3): Raya? Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
Amorim has welcomed Harry Maguire back from injury since taking charge and could be selected to replace Lisandro Martinez on the left side of the manager’s back three on Wednesday.
Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo are suspended for the trip to the Emirates after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Everton on Sunday.
On a brighter note, United’s injury problems are easing and Amorim has confirmed it Lenny Yoro is claiming his first minutes of the season on Wednesday. Yoro has missed his entire first campaign so far after breaking his leg in pre-season.
Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are unlikely to feature for the away side, but Bruno Fernandes should be fit despite knocking his ankle against Everton.
Man Utd predicted line-up against Arsenal (3-4-2-1): Onana? Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire? Amad, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dalot? Fernandes, Rashford? Zircon.
Amorim’s plan has brought about a mini unbeaten run, and there’s no doubt Arsenal would prefer to face Erik ten Hag-led Man Utd on Wednesday.
However, Arteta’s side should take confidence from their recent dismantling of an Amorim system in Lisbon. The Gunners beat Sporting CP 5-1 last week. forcing their opponents into submission and constantly finding space behind their back three/five.
Amorim’s United are, of course, different to Sporting given the profiles at the manager’s disposal, but the visitors will be hampered by losses to Maino and Martinez on Wednesday. With Arsenal able to field their strongest line-up at home, it’s hard to see United taming the Gunners’ current momentum.
