Man United vs Arsenal preview
Things are catching pace in the world of football as the new season is just two weeks away from now.
Clubs all over Europe are stepping up their preparations in a bid to have a successful campaign. In an attempt to do so, Manchester United face Arsenal next in a pre-season friendly, which could well be an early season indicator as to which club has the upper hand.
Both teams have played two matches each so far before heading into this all-important friendly. Man Utd have played Leeds United and Lyon so far, winning both those games.
Arsenal meanwhile come into this game having drawn one and won one. Arteta though will be pleased with his teams’ performances so far in the pre-season, given the club have also made some big moves in the transfer market.
The Gunners have made three signings, all of which have been luxury signings. Declan Rice has been brought in for a $120m, Kai Havertz for $78m and Jurrien Timber for $50m.
The Red Devils meanwhile, after a slow start have begun making moves. Mason Moun was signed from Premier League rivals Chelsea for $70m. Andre Onana was also announced recently as their new goalkeeper who has joined for $55m after David De Gea’s departure from the club. In an interesting turn of events, former United defender Johnny Evans has signed with the Old Trafford outfit on a short-term deal.
The match promises to be a close one, as both clubs prepare to close the gap to Manchester City this season.
Man United vs Arsenal lineups
Man United predicted lineup
Erik ten Hag has used a whole lot of academy players in the first two pre-season games like any manager would have done. But as the new season gets closer, the Dutch manager will start fielding a strong starting lineup.
Expect Onana to start in goal, with Shaw, Martinez, Varane and Wan-Bissaka completing the rest of the defence. In midfield, Casemiro might get his first appearance this pre-season partnered alongside Bruno and Mount.
Antony, Sancho and Rashford should start in attack as Man Utd’s search for a new long-term striker goes on.
In the injury department, ten Hag has to deal with the absence of Martial, Heaton and Malacia as they continue to try and make a comeback before the start of the new season.
Predicted Man Utd 11: Onana, Shaw, Martinez, Varane, Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Mount, Bruno, Sancho, Rashford, Antony
Arsenal predicted lineup
Mikel Arteta will be loving his luck when it comes to the injuries in his squad and will be hoping it stays this way.
Barring Reiss Nelson, the Spaniard has every player available at his disposal and in great shape. Ramsdale looks set to start a second consecutive game in goal with Gabriel, Saliba and White continuing in front of him. Tierney should replace Kiwior at left-back against Man Utd,
In midfield, record-signing Rice should come in to replace Jorginho, alongside Odegaard and Vieria. Jesus, Martinelli and star boy Saka complete the frontline for the Gunners as they aim to put a dent in the Red Devils’ preparation for the new season.
Predicted Arsenal 11: Ramsdale, Tierney, Gabriel, Saliba, White, Rice, Odegaard, Vieira, Martinelli, Jesus, Saka
Man United vs Arsenal predictions
Like every other pre-season encounter, this one will begin as an end-to-end affair. Both teams will look to begin the match on the front foot and assert dominance in midfield.
Both managers will want to asses how seamlessly the new signings improve their chemistry with the existing players and will tinker with their lineups accordingly going ahead into the match.
FootTheBall predicts Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal.
