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One Arsenal change to the starting line-up from Eindhoven in midweekiss Riccardo Calafriori preferred to tough tackling’s Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back. Mikel Merino plays the Tim Cahill role of converted midfielder.
For United, Rasmus Hojlund has been dropped after 19 games without a goal. Joshua Zirkzee will lead the line and, with Bruno Fernandes moving into the frontline, Christian Eriksen comes in to partner Casemiro in what may not be the most mobile midfield. Victor Lindelof replaces Patrick Dorgu and will play as one of the three-man defence. Manuel Ugarte and Harry Maguire are out with injury and likely to be missed.
There’s insurrection in the air at Old Trafford, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family’s names being taken in vain. To say Big Sir Jim’s honeymoon period is over is to underplay things. BSJ has been spotted, too.
The teams
Man Utd: Onana, Lindelof, de Ligt, Yoro, Mazraoui, Eriksen, Casemiro, Dalot, Garnacho, Fernandes, Zirkzee. Subs: Mee, Harrison, Hojlund, Heaven, Amass, Collyer, Obi, Fletcher, Moorhouse.
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard. Subs: Neto, Tierney, White, Martinelli, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Sterling, Lewis-Skelly.
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)
This story reflects the general state of Manchester United.
“I will not have the time Arteta had – I feel that. It’s a different club. So we just need to survive with the players [available] on Sunday. I think it’s a different club – in that aspect, the way Arteta dealt with that is an inspiration for everybody but I will not have the time like Arteta had.”
“I’m very used to people speaking about me, judging my performances and I do that myself,” said the 26-year-old. “I’m harder on myself and I know that I have not been good enough, especially in front of goal. I work hard every day to improve it and I know I have the ability and the talent to do it. PSV Eindhoven was good and hopefully now I can do more towards the end of the season.”
Pre-match reading ii) Me, John Brewin on the Manchester United pundit class. Thanks to our picture desk, unsung heroes, for that snazzy composite.
Pre-match reading i) Barney Ronay on the Gunners still being good.
Preamble
Another afternoon edition of the black comedy that is Manchester United in 2025. The visitors this time are Arsenal, for whom the chase for the Premier League may be dwindling. When Darwin Nunez is scoring vital goals in the race, the goose is probably cooked. Nevertheless, Arsenal must push on and on, and if they show anything like their form in Eindhoven – winning 7-1 – then it’s going to get ugly for United. Uglier, at least. Ruben Amorim has an idea up his sleeve, it just happens to be the same one as the last. He’s confident it will come off one day. It couldn’t be today, could it?
Kick-off at 4.30pm. Join me.
