Manchester United vs Arsenal Preview: Amorim’s Red Devils need a big performance!

This Sunday’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford promises fireworks as Manchester United and Arsenal face off in a crucial encounter. For the Red Devils, the pressure is mounting as they attempt to turn around a woeful season, while Arsenal, despite recent stumbles, remain determined to finish strong. Both teams are looking for important milestones, with United gunning for their 100th win over Arsenal across all competitions and the Gunners targeting consecutive league victories at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979. As the two sides prepare to meet, let’s break down the team news and spotlight key players.

Reports claim that Manchester United is looking to sign a new coach, with Allegri, Lopetegui, and Joachim Löw among the leading candidates ?? pic.twitter.com/lLTF8M00sU

— 365Scores (@365Scores) March 6, 2025

---

Team News

Manchester United

United’s injury list remains extensive, with manager Ruben Amorim facing several absentees. Harry Maguire (knock) and Manuel Ugarte (knock) are both unlikely to feature, and they will be joined on the sidelines by Amad Diallo (ankle), Lisandro Martinez (knee), Kobbie Mainoo (calf), Jonny Evans (back), Luke Shaw (hamstring), Mason Mount (hamstring), Altay Bayindir (unspecified), and Tom Heaton (unspecified). Adding to Amorim’s woes, the banned Patrick Dorgu will also miss out, meaning he will likely have to rely on Victor Lindelof for his first Premier League start of the season. The absence of key players and an underperforming squad leaves United in a precarious position heading into this vital match.

Arsenal

On the Arsenal side, Mikel Arteta also has his injury concerns, with Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Kai Havertz (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus (knee), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) all sidelined. Despite these setbacks, Arteta will be able to rely on a solid core, including teenage star Myles Lewis-Skelly, who should be available for selection. The visitors will look to carry the momentum from their dominant 7-1 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven into this game, though they will have to make do with a somewhat makeshift attack, with Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino playing crucial roles.

One for the record books ?

Arsenal are the FIRST team in Champions League HISTORY to score 7 goals in an away game in the knockout stages ? pic.twitter.com/jZb3LgnqlD

— 365Scores (@365Scores) March 5, 2025

Key Players

Manchester United – Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes has long been a key figure for Manchester United, and his leadership will be needed now more than ever. With the Red Devils’ attacking struggles this season, Fernandes’ creativity and ability to control the midfield will be crucial in any hopes of a turnaround. His vision and passing range could be the difference in breaking down Arsenal’s defense, and he’ll need to be at his best to get United back on track.

Arsenal – Declan Rice

As one of the most consistent performers for the Gunners, Rice’s ability to break up play and contribute defensively while supporting the attack will be key to keeping Manchester United’s midfield in check. His leadership and experience could prove vital as Arsenal look to extend their strong recent form against the Red Devils.

With both teams battling form issues and looking to prove a point, this encounter could be a defining moment in their respective seasons. Arsenal will aim to extend their Old Trafford dominance, while United will be desperate to reverse their troubling slide. As the countdown to Sunday’s match continues, it’s shaping up to be an intense and high-stakes contest.

Key Statistics

• Arsenal have scored in each of their last 10 Premier League visits to Old Trafford, netting a total of 13 goals.
• The Gunners are unbeaten in their last nine away league matches (W5, D4) and have not conceded in their last three.
• Mikel Arteta has won seven of his 10 Premier League matches as manager against Manchester United (D1, L2).
• Arsenal could achieve consecutive away league wins at Old Trafford for the first time since February 1979.
• Manchester United are yet to win back-to-back league games this season, marking their longest wait for consecutive league victories in a single campaign since the 1968-69 season, when they won their 32nd and 33rd matches.
• Manchester United have lost their last four Premier League encounters with Arsenal, their longest losing streak against the Gunners in league history.
• Rasmus Hojlund has failed to score in his last 19 appearances in all competitions.
• Arsenal have conceded just 23 goals in the Premier League this season, fewer than any other team.
• Despite their strong defensive record, Arsenal have failed to score in their last two Premier League games, registering only three shots on target across those two matches.

---

By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)

Keep up with all the latest football news and Premier League news on 365Scores!