Manchester United face age-old arch-rivals Arsenal next up in the Premier League, as Solskjaer will look to get things back on track in the league. The Red Devils squad is high on confidence after the thumping victory against RB Leipzig in the Champions League and will try to repeat their performance against Arsenal as well. Arsenal on the other hand will look to take all three points as well, after a good transfer window.
It will also be a tactical battle, as Arteta and Solskjaer have both shown great versatility and unpredictability in big games. With almost full squads at their disposal, it will be interesting to see what team does each manager start with. It is expected to be an exciting game, but unpredictability looms over the fixture as both managers have used defensive formations in big games.
Let us now have a look at how Solskjaer might set up his Manchester United side against Arsenal.
THE 4-4-2 (DIAMOND)
Looking at the recent Manchester United systems used and performances, the 4-4-2 (diamond) might just be the best system for the Red Devils. The likes of Fred and McTominay have done very well in the recent past and either one of the two at least will get a start. Matic might keep his place in the starting XI as Arsenal are likely to play defensively.
The back-four is very likely to be unchanged, especially after the update on Telles, who is suffering from coronavirus. Pogba looks finally back at his best and the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Rashford are assured of starting positions in games in the Premier League. The diamond shape of the midfield will give United more stability while attacking and defending.
Greenwood scored a goal from his first shot in the Champions League and will be expected to lead the line with Rashford in such a system against Arsenal.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 might be another option for the Red Devils, but without wingers, as United have used it to good effect. Solskjaer used it against Newcastle and Chelsea but he isn’t expected to use the same personnel, especially James and Mata. James has been poor for United this season and his chances are probably over with Cavani coming back into shape.
The inclusion of Mata is also doubtful now, as Van de Beek and Pogba have played well recently and offer more than Mata. McTominay and Fred will be the midfield pivot in such a game, as both have shown great resilience and fight in the midfield. Both the midfielders are very likely to start against Arsenal in such a system, as they screen the back four very well.
Solskjaer will have a headache though of who he plays along with Bruno Fernandes in the left and right midfield, as United have a lot of midfield options.
THE 3-5-2
The 3-5-2 is an unlikely option for Solskjaer to use, but he might consider it, as Arsenal are likely to use this system. But United should go for all three points, and using this system against a defensive Arsenal side will be no good. It will be expected of Manchester United to win the game on the weekend, looking at their recent form and goalscoring prowess.
