Premier League 2018-19: 3 things Jose Mourinho and Manchester United need to do in order to beat Arsenal 

Manchester United are currently on a downward spiral after another frustrating outing against Southampton. On a night when the brute force of United could have been unleashed, Jose Mourinho chose not to release the handbrake. His weird squad selection was one of the factors in how easily they conceded inside 20 minutes.

Against Arsenal, they will face known foes who do not have hidden weapons in their squad. The Gunners have always been an all-out attacking team with a flair for ball possession. United should expect more of the same come Wednesday, but that does not mean they cannot win.

A more ruthless approach has guaranteed wins for United in the past. Last season, United beat Arsenal 3-1 in their own backyard. That was largely because of a fast start and clinical finishing in front of goal.

United have a chance to restore some pride on a night that they need the points more than the opposition. Mourinho has the cards in his hands, and only playing them right will increase the chances of success against a formidable Arsenal side.

The fact that United are underdogs for this one should work in their favour too. Here are 3 things that Mourinho and United need to do in order to secure a win:

#3 Play attacking football

Manchester United has good attacking players

It has been proven this season that United are at their very best when playing attacking football. Unfortunately for them though, the team has mostly deployed this style of play only when trying to come back.

But what if United were to switch to attacking football from the start?

First if all, it would stun the Gunners, who are expected to dictate play. Secondly, it would force Arsenal back into their own half and create goal scoring chances for the hosts.

United surely have the talent in Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard to cause Arsenal a few problems.

#2 Swallow pride

Bailly and Valencia can boost United's weak defence

Mourinho needs to put his pride aside and give full priority to the team. In the past, he has put good players in the cold simply because they disagreed with him. Mourinho would rather play under performing players than give a chance to players he has clashed heads with.

Eric Bailly had just one or two bad games this season and Mourinho had a disagreement with him, after which Bailly was completely frozen out.

Bailly made a mistake against Newcastle and he was whisked away after only 20 minutes. Nobody suffered the same fate in Mourinho's back three of two holding midfielders even when they went 2-0 down against Southampton inside 20 minutes.

If fit, Bailly should be given a chance to prove himself as he would strengthen the defense considerably. Also, Antonio Valencia should be reinstated as a starter to steady the ship.

#1 Identify the right formation

Mourinho needs to change United's formation and identify the players who will fill those positions

Mourinho should set a 4-4-2 formation against Arsenal because that gives the team more balance. At the heart of midfield, he would have Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera as cover for Paul Pogba.

Juan Mata is a creative force who can cause serious damage as a number 10. Jesse Lingard is also a suitable choice in that position.

Then, he should deploy the clinical Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, who was impressive against Southampton. This means dropping Romelu Lukaku altogether.

Rashford, Lingard and Martial will offer United the much needed mobility up front to cause Arsenal some problems. Marouane Fellaini, meanwhile, can be brought on as a substitute in the second half to destabilize Arsenal.