Manchester United vs Arsenal - 5 players to watch | Premier League 2021-22

Arsenal beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford last season
Arsenal beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford last season

#3 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Fernandes has four goals and nine assists from 19 games this season
Fernandes has four goals and nine assists from 19 games this season

Despite their struggles to produce results, Manchester United have had no problems finding the net, thanks to Bruno Fernandes and his creative expertise.

The Portuguese talisman has been at the heart of everything good coming from the side, bagging nine assists in all competitions this season, whilst also netting four goals.

A direct, energetic and box-to-box playmaker, he's capable of delivering killer passes from any position and remains a set-piece specialist too.

Fernandes has never scored or assisted against Arsenal in four previous appearances (two each with Sporting CP and Manchester United). Can he break the duck tonight?


#2 Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal)

Smith Rowe has been a breath of fresh air
Smith Rowe has been a breath of fresh air

Emile Smith Rowe has been a revelation for Arsenal this season, coming of age with eye-catching performances to bolster their attack and contribute six league goals thus far.

His meteoric rise didn't go unnoticed by England manager Gareth Southgate, who handed the star his international debut last month while he opened his account in the 10-0 demolition of San Marino.

Quick, intelligent, technically-gifted, and clever in possession, Smith Rowe could be a handful if Manchester United give him too much time and space on the ball.


#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Ronaldo will face Arsenal for the first time in over 12 years!
Ronaldo will face Arsenal for the first time in over 12 years!

In the 2008-09 semi-final Champions League clash with Arsenal, Cristiano Ronaldo famously struck twice, including a stunning long-range free-kick to guide Manchester United into the final.

Although the stakes aren't as high here, he'd still be licking his lips at the prospect of going up against them after more than a decade. Ronaldo has struck six times in total from 15 games against the Gunners.

He made a whirlwind start to life in the Premier League since his sensational return, but now Ronaldo has struck only once in the last eight games to set the alarm bells ringing.

Can the Gunners keep him at bay too?

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