Man Utd vs Arsenal: Crucial Mbeumo and Cunha Calls Revealed as Team Sheets Take Shape
Michael Carrick's temporary tenure kicked off with a thrilling Manchester derby triumph, but Manchester United now confront an even tougher challenge this weekend.
The Red Devils head to Premier League table-toppers Arsenal seeking to pull off a surprise result and maintain the momentum built from defeating their cross-city adversaries. Breaking down the league's most stubborn defense away from home will present a formidable task.
Luckily for Carrick, who has sensibly discarded the 3-4-2-1 system that struggled under Ruben Amorim, he possesses numerous tactical choices and a largely fit squad at his disposal.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
The comeback of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui from Africa Cup of Nations international commitments has strengthened Carrick's squad depth, with just two players unavailable for the north London expedition.
Netherlands pair Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee will both be absent for the southern trip, with de Ligt continuing to recover from a back problem that has sidelined him for almost eight weeks while Zirkzee deals with a fitness concern.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
GK: Senne Lammens—Lammens recorded just his third clean sheet for United during last weekend's Manchester derby success but shouldn't anticipate another shutout against league-leading Arsenal.
RB: Diogo Dalot—Possibly lucky to avoid an early dismissal in the derby, Dalot recovered well and delivered a solid performance against Jérémy Doku. He now confronts a completely different challenge in Doku's Belgian teammate Leandro Trossard this Sunday.
CB: Harry Maguire—The imposing center-back relished his duel with Erling Haaland last weekend and will encounter another towering Scandinavian striker in Viktor Gyökeres. Maguire will aim to deliver an equally commanding performance.
CB: Lisandro Martínez—Martínez's stature posed no obstacle in neutralizing Haaland, and his combative style will be essential against an Arsenal forward line brimming with talent.
LB: Luke Shaw—Shaw will be anxious about his matchup with England teammate Bukayo Saka, whose pace and skill should create a challenging afternoon for the 30-year-old defender.
DM: Casemiro—Featuring in his first match since announcing his end-of-season departure, Casemiro has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver outstanding performances in crucial fixtures.
DM: Kobbie Mainoo—How rapidly circumstances can shift. United transitioned from Mainoo seeking a loan departure to preparing fresh contract discussions with the academy product following Amorim's departure.
RW: Amad Diallo—Amad's availability comes at the perfect moment as United return to a formation utilizing genuine wide players, and the Ivorian seems to have the edge over Matheus Cunha for a starting position.
AM: Bruno Fernandes—The Premier League's top assist provider and United's key player, Fernandes will be the game-changer for the Red Devils if they hope to shock the Emirates Stadium.
LW: Patrick Dorgu—Dorgu has flourished as a makeshift winger recently, bagging his second goal in six appearances by scoring in the derby. He'll be responsible for providing additional support against the tireless Saka on Sunday.
ST: Bryan Mbeumo—Mbeumo operated as a central striker against Manchester City rather than on the flank and impressed in that position with his clever runs behind the defense. The Cameroon forward will be crucial for United's counter-attacking strategy.