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In the 4 matches across all competitions since after the international break Manchester United have won 3, drawn 1, scored 11, let in 2 own goals only and kept two clean sheets. No one can see any glimpse of the team that got hammered 1-6 at home to Spurs just before the international break.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the upturn in form for Manchester United since club football returned. The availability of new signings such as Cavani and Telles, return of Axel Tuanzebe, revival in the forms of Harry Maguire, Lindelof and Pogba, and most importantly Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford regaining their post lockdown match sharpness.
All these factors combined with Ole's tactical flexibility in team selection and formation has overseen this change in Manchester United's results.
Manchester United's opposition since the break have been nopushovers; they have been quality teams with their own unique strengths and threats. They have beaten a feisty Newcastle away, outplayed French champions PSG in their own backyard and destroyed an exciting RB Leipzig team at home. They also played out a tactical draw against Chelsea.
With almost a full strength squad available and stellar performances from almost everyone in the team, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces a selection headache for the Sunday showdown against Arsenal.
Possible Manchester United XI:
Goalkeeper
The goalkeeping position at present is probably the most straightforward decision that Ole has to make. Dean Henderson's recall from loan was supposed to increase the competition and make Ole's job tougher when it came to selecting the player to take the gloves for Manchester United.
Though Ole Gunnar Solskjaer publicly backed De Gea to continue as no.1, there was a very real chance that Dean Henderson could replace him if his bad form continued. It is therefore no surprise that with a real threat to his starting place; David De Gea is showing everyone why he was Manchester United's player of the season 4 times with vintage performances and match-winning saves in recent games.
He looks more like his old assured self and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be hoping he can continue it on Sunday against a lethal Arsenal strike force.
Defensive issues were the main narrative of Manchester United's season till the first international break arrived. They had lost both their opening home games in the league and conceded 9 goals in those two matches.
A combination of individual errors and collective mistakes made them look far from the side that had the third-best defensive record in the Premier League last season.
These frequent defensive lapses made winning matches all the more difficult. But things have changed after the break with tactical switches made and solid individual performances combining to contribute to the upturn in Manchester United's form.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær will be keen to pick the right back 4 on Sunday to continue their defensive revival.
Defenders:
Ole Gunnar Solskjær will resist the temptation of switching to a back 3 as the onus to win the game will be on the home team, Manchester United.
The return of Axel Tuanzebe provided a timely boost to Manchester United's defense and after his showing in Paris against the dynamic duo of Neymar and Mbappé; he will start on Sunday hoping to keep Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang quiet.
Another young defender who looks to be in top form is Aaron Wan-Bissaka and he will expect to keep his place on Sunday. After two steady performances Harry Maguire will lead the team and the defense on Sunday against Arsenal.
With Alex Telles having tested positive for Covid-19, Luke Shaw will be confident of keeping his place for the clash on Sunday.
Midfielders:
The diamond midfield has worked wonders for Manchester United the two times it has been used in the Champions League. This formation allows Manchester United's flair players all the freedom to express themselves as they have two defensive midfielders shielding the back 4.
With Anthony Martial still suspended and Cavani not filly match sharp yet, this formation will allow Ole Gunnar Solskjær to field his best players on Sunday.
Donny Van de Beek might well be unlucky as he will most likely make way for superstar Bruno Fernandes while Pogba is expected to start as well.
Fred could be given a rest after playing all 4 games since the international break with Nemanja Matić and Scott McTominay being deployed as the midfield shield.
Solskjær will be hoping that his midfield can replicate the work rate that they showed during midweek which will allow his attacking players to do the damage in the final third.
Forwards:
The arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January of this year transformed the way Manchester United play and enabled their attacking players to show their true ability.
He has helped the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood unlock their true potential and score goals at will. It was therefore no surprise to see the young trio rank amongst the most lethal attacking trios in Europe last season.
Manchester United further enhanced their attacking options by signing veteran striker Edison Cavani on a free transfer during the summer window. He has only been used as an impact substitute till now and it will be a role he will have to be content with even on Sunday against Arsenal. Anthony Martial is out of the matchday serving the last of his 3 match suspension.
It will therefore be up to Manchester United's pair of youth academy products Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood to rattle the Arsenal defense on Sunday and get the goals that will secure a vital 3 points for Manchester United.
Marcus Rashford was appearing to pick up form just before the international break and during it with a goal for England. He then got a goal against Newcastle before scoring yet another winner against PSG in the Champions League.
This week he impressed one and all; and answered his critics who had said that he needs to focus on his football with a 16 minute hattrick (his first ever) coming of the bench against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
He is proving to be a champion both on and off the field and will be looking to continue his good work against Arsenal on Sunday.
Solskjær had to field a lot of questions related to Mason Greenwood's rumored bad behavior in his recent media interactions but the Manchester United boss threw his support behind Greenwood and shut down all rumors.
His faith was rewarded during midweek as Mason Greenwood scored his first UCL goal with his first ever shot in the competition. There was also a noticeable difference in his body language and work ethic against RB Leipzig and he will be eager to build on his performance by getting on the scoresheet against Arsenal.
Possible Manchester United XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Maguire and Luke Shaw; Matic, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes; Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
