Man United vs Arsenal – Premier League: Live rating, workforce information, updates

How United wish they could have these two available today.

Manchester United legends Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane know a thing or two about this rivalry, specifically Keane.

I bet the Irishman would love to play today, and to be fair, even at his current age he could probably do a job in that midfield…

To say the Manchester United bench is inexperienced is an understatement.

Mail Sport’s Nathan Salt has kindly put together how many appearances each of them have made this season and combined it’s a total of 80.

The starting line-up is weak, but with not much to work with on the bench, they may have to stick with it.

Oliver Holt, Mail Sport Chief Sports Writer, at Old Trafford:

I thought Manchester United had a chance of upsetting Arsenal today. I wondered if Man City’s relentlessness and the apparent pointlessness of Arsenal’s pursuit might grind Mikel Arteta’s side down. I wondered if maybe United would be so stung by the defeat to Palace they would come out firing.

But now we’ve seen the team sheets, I can’t see that United line-up getting anything out of this game. It’s one of the weakest United line-ups of the last few years.

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football editor, at Old Trafford:

Just been handed a team sheet as I walked in the door at Old Trafford. If this United team gets anything today it will be a miracle….. (So I’m going for a 2-2 draw).

Guess what? Bukayo Saka is fit. He always makes it.

It means Arsenal are unchanged for a fourth match in a row.

Looking at this line-up compared to that of Manchester United, I can only see this going one way. Arsenal’s.

No Bruno Fernandes again…

Erik ten Hag has made three changes from the sides’ embarrassment at Crystal Palace on Monday.

Amad Diallo comes in for his first Premier League start of the season, while Sofyan Amrabat and Scott Mctominay return.

I must say, it’s not the strongest-looking team…

The challengers have arrived.

It’s a huge day for Arsenal, how will they cope at a stadium they have not enjoyed good fortunes at in recent seasons.?

This is a different set of players to years gone by, and they look focused for the task ahead.

I’m starting to get very excited.

there is a buzz around Old Trafford as anticipation grows for what is to come.

The United players have arrived at Old Trafford, but which 11 players will start at 4.30pm.

We will find out in 10 minutes…

Gary Neville, former Manchester United captain, speaking on Sky Sports:

None of the top 10 teams have won here (at Old Trafford) apart from (Manchester) City. It’s a difficult place to come to, Liverpool found that. It can be a graveyard for teams, Arsenal haven’t got the best record here.

They (Arsenal) are in far better form and are a far better team. Manchester United are decimated at the back. Difficult day here for United, but strange things can happen at Old Trafford.

The fans are getting in nice and early for this monster clash.

The sun is shining, the t-shirts are back out – it’s a lovely day for a match of this magnitude.

Will the atmosphere at Old Trafford be up to scratch?

United will need it to be…

Arsenal have not enjoyed most of their recent trips to Old Trafford…

They have only beaten Manchester United away from home once in their past 16 visits, losing 10 of those.

The solitary victory came in November 2020. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted the only goal of the game from the penalty spot.

Can this Arsenal side, do what many other sides couldn’t, and win?

Manchester United fans, you might want to look away.

The Red Devils are on course for their worst-ever Premier League campaign, it’s been a dreadful year for them.

They have lost a total of 13 times in the Premier League this season, which is the most defeats they have racked up in a season since 1989-90.

Erik ten Hag’s side have also conceded 81 goals in all competitions, they haven’t let in more for 53 years. Ouch.

The statistics aren’t finished there, I’ve got more.

If United lose today they will equal their club record of nine home defeats in a season. They haven’t hit that number for 50 years.

So yeah, it’s not looking good for United, I bet they can’t wait for the campaign to end.

It seems both Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford really want to take in the occasion today…

The pair arrived at Old Trafford just shy of five hours before the start of the match. It seems they are monitoring every small detail of the stadium’s preparations.

It’s clear these two want to bring back the good old days to United, can their team provide a throwback performance and win today?

They will be hoping so.

Manchester United vs Arsenal is an iconic fixture in so many ways.

The rivalry these two have built over the years due to sheer competition makes it one of the most fascinating fixtures in the Premier League.

From Arsenal winning the title at Old Trafford in 2002, to United humiliating Arsene Wenger’s side in 2011, this clash has brought so many memories.

It may not have quite the same sting that it did in the early 200s, but it’s clear that both sides still strongly dislike each other.

What will they serve us today?

I can’t believe we only have one week left of the season.

We have been treated to an enthralling title race this season, which for so long saw three teams go tit-for-tat in hopes of securing glory.

Well, we are now down to just two teams, Manchester City and Arsenal.

The Gunners can go one point above City with a win over United today, however, the current leaders will have a game in hand.

It’s still so tight, and I have a feeling it will be until the very final day.

Where to start with Manchester United…

The Red Devils have been dreadful this season, and in truth, I think that’s putting it lightly.

Their 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace was the peak of their poor performances this season, I couldn’t believe what was unravelling before my eyes.

United need to respond in some way today, but the opposition they face makes it hard to see them coming away with anything more than a point.

However, Erik ten Hag’s side have been in this position before this season, and then went on to derail Liverpool’s season… twice.

They would love to do the same to the Gunners, but it would mean they parctically hand the title over to their ‘noisy neigbours’, City.

No one knows which United side will turn up, but I guess we will have to wait and see.

Do Arsenal have what it takes to be champions?

They have answered that question on many occasions this season, but if they fail to do so today, then they won’t be.

Arsenal know they have to win to leapfrog Manchester City back to the summit. Anything less than a win and they practically wave goodbye to the title.

On paper, the Gunners should have a field day against a Manchester United team having one of their worst seasons in Premier League history.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side won’t be kidding themselves, it’s going to be harder than people expect at Old Trafford today. They have a dreadful recent record there.

They are going to have to turn that around today…

I’m going to be blunt. It’s do-or-die for Arsenal today.

Games don’t get much bigger this. A Premier League classic that has given us many unforgettable moments. It’s Manchester United vs Arsenal.

In the past, they have battled for titles, and gone toe-to-toe in season-defining match-ups, but now times have changed.

While Arsenal are embroiled in a tense title race which is nearing its conclusion, Manchester United have never been further away from one than they are now.

However, they can still have their say.

It’s going to be a cracker, games like this always bring excitement and emotion that not all can. I bet the Arsenal fans are extremely nervous…

Right, let’s get this show on the road!