Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Arsenal
Today at 07:34 AM
Manchester United begin their FA Cup defence at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils defied the odds to beat cross-town rivals Manchester City 2-1 to win the FA Cup last May—the club lifting the trophy for the 13th time. The FA Cup salvaged what was a disastrous 2023/24 season for the club under former boss Erik ten Hag.
The 2024/25 season hasn't been any different, though, with the Mancunian giants struggling in 13th in the Premier League. But they held league leaders Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Anfield, pinching a credible point with undoubtedly their best performance under new boss Ruben Amorim. The performance at Liverpool should give a lot of confidence to Amorim's boys ahead of the trip to Arsenal as they look to book their place in the FA Cup fourth round.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United remain without Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Mason Mount. Marcus Rashford missed the trip to Liverpool through illness but is not expected to feature here amid doubts about his future at the club.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Arsenal (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
After Altay Bayindir's disastrous display in the Carabao Cup quarter-final exit to Tottenham last month, Amorim is expected to stick with Andre Onana in goal. Onana had a solid game against Liverpool, which will give him confidence heading into the game at the Emirates Stadium.
Defence
In a back three, Amorim could make just one change. Matthijs de Ligt had a tough outing at Anfield and he could make way for young Leny Yoro as the right-sided centre-back. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez were excellent last Sunday and should retain their spots to complete the backline.
The Man United backline have to be well-organised and resolute, especially from Arsenal's dangerous corners and set-pieces.
Midfield
Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte worked extremely well as a pair in the middle of the park against Liverpool, and there is no reason why Amorim would want to break that partnership. The duo must look to emulate something similar to provide a base for the creative players to thrive in the final third.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui should again operate as the wing-backs, trying to provide width and energy to the visitors as well as stretch the Gunners. Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have to be content with spots on the bench.
Attack
Bruno Fernandes produced a Man of the Match performance at Anfield, which is certain to boost his confidence heading into the game. He will be key to unlocking the rigid Arsenal backline, along with Amad Diallo, who has been Man United's best player under Amorim and scored a vital equaliser against Liverpool last weekend.
Amorim is expected to stick with Rasmus Hojlund up front, with Joshua Zirkzee set for a role on the bench again along with Antony and Alejandro Garnacho.
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