After what must have been a shock to the system looking at the defeat at home against Sheffield United, the Red Devils travel to London. Manchester United face Arsenal next up in the Premier League, who are in a good run of form themselves. A lot of questions have been asked of the Red Devils side after the defeat against last-placed Blades and the players must be looking to make it right at the Emirates Stadium.
The selection will be under the limelight and so will be Solskjaer as the changes he made against Sheffield barely worked. Eric Bailly or Lindelof are likely to be back in the starting XI as Tuanzebe was arguably at fault for both the Blades’ goals. We should expect the trusted players to start the game against Arsenal as it will be a big game for the Red Devils and their season.
Let us now have a look at how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might set his Manchester United side up against Arsenal in the Premier League.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is the likeliest system for Solskjaer and Manchester United against a good Arsenal team this weekend in the Premier League. Despite the error in the last game, De Gea will be expected to retain his place in the between the sticks for the Red Devils. Lindelof and Harry Maguire will be expected to lead the defence out as Tuanzebe didn’t do well against Sheffield United, as United dropped precious points.
The likes of Shaw, Fred and Cavani should also be back in the starting XI after getting some rest in the midweek fixture. Shaw has turned out to be an instrumental figure in the Manchester United side and without him, the left side looked lifeless. Fred will also bring the tenacity back in the United midfield which will be key against Arsenal.
Anthony Martial has been woeful this season and Cavani deserves a start ahead of the Frenchman in a crunch game against the Gunners.
THE 4-4-2 (DIAMOND)
Although Solskjaer hasn’t used it a lot in the recent past, the 4-4-2 (Diamond) formation is quite a possibility against Arsenal. This will ensure that Manchester United have the upper hand in the midfield region as Arsenal play a three-man midfield. The feisty pair of Fred and McTominay will allow Pogba to play his natural game and flourish further forward in the attacking third and create chances for Rashford and Cavani.
Bruno Fernandes hasn’t registered a goal or an assist for the last four Premier League games and it might concern him and Solskjaer. The Portuguese midfielder needs to find his form soon enough for Manchester United to successfully challenge for the title. Arsenal will keep a close eye on him as he is the Red Devils’ most creative player despite his lack of form.
THE 4-2-3-1 (ALTERNATIVE)
The 4-2-3-1 can also be used with this personnel with Fred and McTominay as the midfield double-pivot. Both of thwm together provide a good protective cover for the centre-backs and allow Pogba and Bruno to do what they are best at. The history of Arsenal against Manchester United has been feisty at we should expect fireworks on the pitch as soon as the whistle blows.
