Arsenal vs. Manchester United - Combined XI | Premier League 2019-20

Centre Backs: Harry Maguire and David Luiz

Harry Maguire has helped to toughen up United's defence

The world’s most expensive defender, Harry Maguire has come under fire at various points during the current season, but for the most part, he’s provided Manchester United with a much stiffer backbone than they previously boasted, and with a high passing success rate of 86.3%, as well as excellent defensive stats – like an average of 4.8 aerial duels won per game – he definitely belongs in this combined team.

Maguire’s partners at United this season – Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones – have been somewhat less impressive; meaning Arsenal’s Brazilian veteran David Luiz would be a good fit for this combined side. The former Chelsea man, like Maguire, is an excellent passer of the ball, and while his positional sense is somewhat questionable, he scores highly in terms of clearances and interceptions and offers a threat from dead-ball situations, both in the air and as the kick-taker.

Midfield: Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Mesut Ozil

Scott McTominay has developed into a tremendous holding midfielder

Due to the inconsistencies in both sides, the midfield was perhaps the hardest area to choose in this combined side.

The tigerish Scott McTominay is practically a must in the holding midfield slot, though; the Scotsman has been named Man of the Match for United by WhoScored.com on two occasions this season, has 3 goals and 1 assist, and scores more highly in almost every area – both offensive and defensive - than his Gunners counterpart, the controversial Granit Xhaka. Arsenal fans would likely give anything for a player with the heart and desire of McTominay right now.

France’s Paul Pogba has only been able to complete 7 Premier League games for United this season, but despite his injury issues, the World Cup winner remains one of the game’s most outstanding midfield performers. Able to play basically any role in the middle of the park, Pogba was excellent in a single half in the Red Devils’ recent game against Newcastle, and should help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side going forward – assuming he stays at Old Trafford.

The playmaker position is a little trickier to fill; United do not really play with a true creative talent as Juan Mata is a fading force, Andreas Pereira has looked largely inadequate, and Jesse Lingard has struggled for form throughout the season.

That leaves Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, and while the German has been criticised in recent weeks for his apparent lack of effort, and has only registered a single assist thus far this season, he remains an extremely talented player capable of unlocking the trickiest defence. If he can find his form again under Mikel Arteta, he could still have a positive impact at the Emirates.