Two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs battle it out this afternoon as Manchester United face Arsenal at Old Trafford.
It is a quick turnaround for United after they were in action on Thursday night in the Europa League.
The players showed signs of fatigue in the latter stages of the game against Real Sociedad and Ruben Amorim has stressed his players ‘need to survive’ tomorrow.
Ruben Amorim says Manchester United will not give him the time Mikel Arteta had to turn Arsenal around ⏰ pic.twitter.com/1ycNYqVTc9
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 7, 2025
The condition of Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte is unknown but the pair aren’t likely to be risked ahead of the second leg next Thursday. Patrick Dorgu is unavailable due to suspension. He was sent off for a high tackle on Omari Hutchinson against Ipswich nearly a fortnight ago.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is back in contention for Arsenal after being banned against Nottingham Forest. The teenager was shown a red card against West Ham for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are edging closer to comebacks from injury.
Manchester United vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news
Form
Manchester United: LDWDD
On Thursday night, the Red Devils held Real Sociedad to a draw. Joshua Zirkzee broke the deadlock in Spain before Mikel Oyarzabal levelled matters from the spot.
Ruben Amorim may choose to prioritise Thursday’s second leg as they have very little to compete for in the Premier League.
United are 15th in the top flight. A win today could potentially take them two places higher.
Arsenal: LWLDW
It was an impeccable display by Arsenal in midweek as they scored seven away to PSV Eindhoven.
Mikel Arteta’s players put on a masterclass in finishing with skipper Martin Odegaard grabbing a brace.
Barring the unlikeliest comeback in Champions League history, the Gunners are through to the quarter-finals of the prestigious competition.
They now turn their attention to their league exploits where they’ll be looking to return to winning ways.
A home defeat to West Ham a fortnight ago preceded a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest. Arsenal are only three points clear of Forest, who beat Manchester City yesterday lunchtime.
Last Meeting
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United (3-5 Pens), FA Cup, 12th January 2025
The last encounter was decided by a penalty shootout and Manchester United held their nerve to prevail back in January.
At the interval, the game was goalless, despite Gabriel Martinelli finding the back of the net. The forward had strayed noticeably offside and the linesman’s flag was raised.
Against the run of play, United skipper Bruno Fernandes beautifully stroked in the opener. Alejandro Garnacho’s pass sat up perfectly for the Portuguese international to shoot first time and pick out the corner to send the away fans into raptures behind the goal.
The complexion of the contest completely changed on 61 minutes when Diogo Dalot was dismissed. Mikel Merino beat the full-back to the ball and was caught by Dalot, who received a second yellow card.
From the resulting free-kick, Arsenal equalised. Gabriel managed to direct a shot goalward and the effort took a wicked deflection off Matthijs de Ligt. Altay Bayindir could only stand and watch as the ball flew past him.
Shortly after, the hosts were awarded a penalty – much to the dismay of Harry Maguire who had committed the foul on Kai Havertz. On closer inspection, there was minimal contact between the two players, but with VAR not in operation the decision couldn’t be reconsidered.
Everyone of a United persuasion felt that justice prevailed as Martin Odegaard’s spot-kick was saved by Bayindir. The Turkish stopper made two fantastic saves to deny Declan Rice and Havertz missed the target from a few yards out to see the tie go to extra time.
Neither team could conjure up a winner in the additional thirty minutes and the game was decided by a shootout. Havertz failed to convert from 12 yards while the visitors were flawless in their execution to advance into the fourth round of the competition.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, Yoro, De Ligt, Lindelof, Dalot; Ugarte, Casemiro; Fernandes, Zirkzee, Garnacho.
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Odegaard, Trossard; Merino.
Who is the referee?
Anthony Taylor will be the match official. Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn will assist him while Darren Bond will be the fourth official. The VAR is Paul Tierney. He will be assisted by Tim Wood.
What TV channel is Manchester United vs Arsenal on?
Manchester United vs Arsenal will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra, Sky Go UK and NOW UK.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off at Old Trafford will be at 16:30 GMT on Sunday 9th March 2025.
Manchester United vs Arsenal Match Odds
Manchester United: 9/2
Draw: 5/2
Arsenal: 7/10
Read – Eight moments that defined Arsenal and Man United’s classic rivalry
See more – Three clubs Kobbie Mainoo should consider joining if he leaves Man Utd
Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok
