Tomorrow we will witness the renewal of a rivalry that is slowly losing its prominence in English football when Manchester United take on Arsenal. Ten years ago this match would have been a title-deciding bout, now it’s just a qualifying match for the top four.
Manchester United and Arsenal are still two of the most famous clubs in the world and the two are managed by the two most famous names in football.
Also Read: 5 reasons why Manchester United will destroy Arsenal and seal a top four finish
Arsène Wenger vs. José Mourinho is what has breathed life into this feud again. And for the first time in Premier League history, we’re about to see the Frenchman get the better of his arch nemesis.
Here are 5 reasons why Arsenal will decimate Manchester United this Sunday.
#5 Manchester United have several high-profile injuries
At this moment in time, Manchester United are without first team players like Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Luke Shaw, Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini and possibly Marcus Rashford.
As a group, they’ve missed over 29 games for Manchester United this season. With such a depleted squad, there’s no way the Red Devils stand a chance of getting anything from the Emirates.
Arsenal prey on strong defences, let alone makeshift ones. A centre-back pairing of Eric Bailly and Daley Blind is sufficient but not enough to combat the likes of Sanchez and Ozil; Olivier Giroud or Danny Welbeck can physically dominate Blind, thus creating space for oncoming runners to exploit.
#4 Manchester United are toothless without Zlatan Ibrahimovic
In his first ever season in English football, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been the focal point of everything good at Manchester United. Seventeen league goals in 28 appearances is nothing short of phenomenal for a 35-year old and the Swedish striker has made it look easy. However, now that the Swede is out for the rest of the season, United’s attack is no longer feared.
A half-fit Marcus Rashford and an out-of-form Anthony Martial won’t do much to destabilise the strong Arsenal back three. With limited goal-scoring threats, it’s clear that Mourinho will focus on employing a 4-6-0 formation that looks to completely disrupt Arsenal’s possession game.
Regardless of the tactic, with no threats in attack, it’ll only be a matter of time before Arsenal break down the resistance. And when they do, the floodgates will open.
#3 Mourinho to field a weakened team
In typical José Mourinho fashion, the Portuguese has claimed in his weekly press conference that he would be fielding a weakened team at the Emirates. With focus solely on winning the Europa League, José Mourinho doesn’t deem the showdown with Arsenal as a big game anymore. Cheekily the United boss made reference to his feud with Arsène Wenger:
“I am going to change my team against Arsenal, so I think he’ll be really happy with me!”
We’ll just have to wait and see whether this is just Mourinho playing his regular mind games or not. For all we know, the controversial coach could field the same team that played against Celta Vigo on Thursday night. However, if he doesn’t, Wenger will instruct his players to show no mercy as they themselves seek precious Champions League qualification.
#2 Mesut Özil thrives against Manchester United
In Premier League games against Manchester United, Mesut Özil has scored 2 goals and provided 4 assists. He simply loves playing against the Red Devils and he ensures all those around him raise their game too.
Even at Real Madrid the German thrived playing against United in the Champions League knockout stages. Many criticise Özil for not supposedly turning up in the big games over the years, however, he’s seemingly used Manchester United to pad his stats.
Now in a new system with the top four to fight for, we’ll once again see the best of the playmaker. As Manchester United usually play a pivot of Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba, there will be plenty of space for the 28-year old to expose between the lines. Thus allowing him to create chances in the final third for off the ball runners like Alexis and the Ox.
Mourinho’s away sides are often set up in a defensive manner in banks of four, ready for the counter-attack. It’s in these tight spaces, that Özil will exploit and open up United’s makeshift defence.
#1 The 3-4-2-1 has reinvigorated Arsenal’s attack
Since the inspired switch to three at the back, the Gunners have looked like a different team. All of a sudden, Özil is finding space between the lines, Alexis is making runs in behind and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is dribbling past people for fun. The new formation allows Arsenal’s two star players, Özil and Alexis, the freedom in the middle whilst the rest of the midfield track back and cover space.
It’s perfect, because everybody is allowed to play to their strengths.
The formation also ensures Arsenal can stretch the pitch at all times whilst simultaneously overloading the middle. As they’ve only played a few games with the new system, there’s not much for José Mourinho to scout as Arsenal themselves are still getting used to the tactic.
It’ll be hard for United to prepare for this game, as this is an Arsenal side they’re not used to. In this game, unpredictability will be Arsenal’s most valuable asset.
