Manchester United prepare to welcome old enemies Arsenal to Old Trafford for a Premier League clash on Thursday, with Michael Carrick poised to remain in the dugout.
Last time out, the Red Devils earned a point against league leaders Chelsea, while the Gunners defeated Newcastle United 2-0.
During Michael Carrick’s time in ‘interim interim charge,’ he has earned two positive results, but the news that all Man United fans have been waiting for was announced on Monday morning, as Ralf Rangnick prepares to head the team for the duration of the 2021-22 season.
The 63-year-work old’s permit was not cleared in time for him to take over on Thursday, but a Carrick-led Man United put up a gallant performance at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening to take a point home from a 1-1 draw.
United took the lead after Jadon Sancho took advantage of Jorginho’s poor touch before the Italian – who finished third in the Ballon d’Or – restored parity from the penalty spot after the decision to sideline Cristiano Ronaldo sent shockwaves through the United faithful.
That point, however, has done little to improve United’s position in the table, as they still sit ninth with 18 points – three places and five points below their approaching opponents – and home has not been where the Red Devils’ heart has been recently.
Indeed, United have only won one of their previous four Premier League games at the Theatre of Dreams, scoring only once in that time, but the home crowd will be in high spirits as Mikel Arteta’s young guns attempt to spoil the party.
After seeing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang make one of the worst misses the Emirates has ever seen and Aaron Ramsdale being pressed into action yet again, it appeared that Arsenal would have one of those days before Mikel Arteta’s starlets came to the fore.
Before being forced off injured, Bukayo Saka combined well with Nuno Tavares to open the scoring, but his substitute, Gabriel Martinelli, wasted no time in doubling his side’s advantage with a brilliant volley from Takehiro Tomiyasu’s lovely pass.
After West Ham United’s defeat to Manchester City, Arteta’s side are currently equal on points with their fourth-placed rivals.
When will Manchester United vs Arsenal match kick-off?
Manchester United is going head to head with Arsenal starting on 2 Dec 2021 at 20:15 UTC at Old Trafford stadium, Manchester city, England. The match is a part of the Premier League.
MATCH INFO
Start date: 3 Dec 2021 01:45
Location: Manchester
Venue: Old Trafford
Referee: Martin Atkinson, England
Head to Head Record
30/01/21
FT: Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
01/11/20
FT: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
02/01/20
FT: Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
Arsenal Team News
In the Gunners’ triumph against Newcastle, Saka went down clutching his groyne, and Arteta later confirmed that the 20-year-old – who finished sixth in this year’s Kopa Trophy – was suffering from a muscular injury.
Saka has not been ruled out of this game yet, but Martinelli has earned a well-deserved start, and Arteta’s only confirmed absentees at this point are long-term victims Sead Kolasinac (ankle) and Granit Xhaka (hamstring) (knee).
Martin Odegaard returned to the first XI on Saturday, ending Alexandre Lacazette’s run in the starting lineup, and it’s hard to see the Norwegian losing his spot here.
Manchester United Team News
In spite of his questionable performances this season, Man United centre-back Harry Maguire returns from suspension in time to play the Gunners, and is expected to slot straight back into the defence, with Eric Bailly maybe being unfairly discarded.
The hosts are without Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, and Raphael Varane, who are still doubtful about Luke Shaw’s availability due to a head injury.
Ronaldo is unlikely to be benched for such an important match again, and may replace Marcus Rashford in the starting lineup if United manager Jose Mourinho remains with his midfield-heavy 4-3-1-2 system.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Telles; Matic, Fred, McTominay; Fernandes; Sancho, Ronaldo
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Partey, Lokonga; Martinelli, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang
How to watch Manchester United vs Arsenal in US Livestream?
Live streaming will be available on Peacock TV.
How to watch Manchester United vs Arsenal in India on TV?
Matches will beam live on Star Sports network.
How to watch Manchester United vs Arsenal in India Livestream?
Live streaming will be available on Disney+ Hotstar.
How to watch Manchester United vs Arsenal in UK Livestream?
Live streaming will be available on Amazon Prime.
How to watch Manchester United vs Arsenal in Canada Livestream?
Live streaming will be available on DAZN.
How to watch Manchester United vs Arsenal in Australia Livestream?
Live streaming will be available on Optus Sport ($15/month).