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Last season, the same match would have had Arsenal as the Underdog and Manchester United as the favourite. But this time around, it has been entirely different as Manchester United go into the match on the back of one of their worst domestic starts ever while Arsenal enter the park riding high after a 1-0 win at the Signal Iduna Park. Having achieved these results, they would feel more confident than ever coming in to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Manchester United, after having gone through a rough patch are finally starting to get a grip. Their first 30 minutes against Fulham last week was probably the best they ever played this season. However, it isn’t going to be so easy against Arsenal. Arsenal have built up their game this season on their attacking fluidity and impeccable first-touch passing. To have any chance of winning, Manchester United should find a way to break this. Let’s take a look at the possible ways to break Arsenal’s Attack :
Play Jones in midfield and man-mark Ozil
For a long time during Sir Alex’s tenure, whenever there was a big game, there was one player he called up. It was Park Ji Sung, the man who had kept Iniesta and Pirlo out of the game. Ever since he’s left, there had been a gaping hole on the squad to fill up that role. But SAF found a new man to do that, Phil Jones.
Well, that’s what Moyes should do. He should play Jones as the deep-lying midfielder. Jones should be assigned with the task of man-marking Ozil. That’s the only way to stop Ozil. That’s what Klopp did last year, he shut out Ozil with Bender and Dortmund won hands down. Jones should stick tight on Ozil and ensure to his best ability that Ozil isn’t given any space.
If given space, Ozil can have a devastating impact on the game. He has the ability to break down any defense in the world and he usually takes just one pass to do that. Given that he has been on top form this season, it is imperative that Manchester United keep Ozil out of the game.
Don’t sit deep; go all out attack
Already having seen Arsenal this season, you would know that nine times out of ten they dominate the midfield and control the game. But Moyes should not follow suit. He should not sit deep and wait for a break on the counter. He should set out to attack and try to dominate Arsenal.
This can be done effectively by playing an extra man in midfield alongside Carrick and Jones. This man, essentially should be Wayne Rooney. Rather than playing as an advanced midfielder behind Van Persie, Rooney must play deeper than usual. This will ensure that Ramsey would have to drop back to mark Rooney. Keeping Ramsey in Manchester United’s half is necessary for he has been in form this season. So, Rooney must perform the double task of controlling the midfield as well as marking Ramsey when Arsenal have the ball.
Play Valencia at Right Back; Janujaz and Nani on the wings
Yes, that’s what Moyes should do against Arsenal. Most of Arsenal’s threats come down the left flank. And Rafael has this deceiving tendency to give a lot of space to the opposition left-back. So the ideal choice should be Valencia at right-back. he is very good defensively and equally good at attacking. He seems to have found his feet this season. If Nani and Valencia make a start on the right flank, it is going to be a tough day for Kieran Gibbs.
Nani, in all possibility should try to bring back his dribbling skills and make sure Gibbs has a tough time. Valencia should mark Santi Cazorla and take him out of the game. One thing that Valencia should remember while marking Cazorla is that he is ambidextrous. Which means he has no problem shooting with either foot. So Valencia must ensure little space for Cazorla to cross or shoot, be it his left or right.
Then, Januzaj. Yes, this little 18-year old kid should play against Arsenal. Having won the Manchester united player of the month award, he is on a high. He has been amazing this season and has helped United out of tough situations more than once. Bacary Sagna, who is the likely candidate to play at right back will be taken for a ride by him. Janujaz has this unusual penchant to get past players with amazing ease.
Something that brings reminiscent memories of a Ryan Giggs twisting and turning past defenders. Januzaj also has a penchant for earning fouls. He earns fouls easily and this could lead to a potential free kick goal. Plus, his low centre of gravity would make it easy for him to get past the towering Mertesacker.
In all likeliness, this is not going to be an easy game for United. But let’s hope, they make the most out of it.
