Manchester United Vs Arsenal Preview
By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01
It’s been a whirlwind week for Manchester United—one that perfectly encapsulates the unpredictability of their season. From a gutsy victory with 10 men against Ipswich Town to the heartbreak of an FA Cup exit on penalties against Fulham, followed by a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, the drama has been relentless. But if there’s one thing we know about this United side, it’s that they rise to the occasion when the stakes are high. And with Arsenal arriving at Old Trafford this Sunday, expect a spectacle filled with intensity, passion, and high drama.
Behind the scenes, change is brewing. Manchester United’s Global Head of Social Media, Nick Speakman, announced via Instagram that he will be stepping down at the end of the season—another casualty of INEOS’ aggressive cost-cutting measures. Yet, frustration among the fans continues to grow, not just over the layoffs, but over the fact that the Glazer family’s profits remain untouched. In response, protests are set to take place on Sunday, demanding financial accountability from the club’s ownership. When asked about the situation, Rúben Amorim acknowledged the supporters’ right to protest but remained focused on his task: “Everybody, especially the fans, has the right to protest, but my job is to win games and push my team so the fans can still have some joy.”
Unlike Mikel Arteta, Amorim won’t have the luxury of time to rebuild United in his image. Instead, he must navigate the season with the squad he has while managing a growing injury list. He remains optimistic about the return of key players but admitted his rotation options remain limited. There was a glimmer of hope regarding Amad Diallo’s recovery, but the manager stressed the importance of patience, ensuring the young winger isn’t rushed back too soon.
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After their FA Cup heartbreak against Fulham, United turned their focus to the Europa League, where they dominated large spells of their 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad. They created plenty of chances, but only Joshua Zirkzee managed to find the net—a familiar story this season. Their profligacy proved costly when a controversial penalty was awarded to Sociedad, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted. As they prepare for Arsenal, United must sharpen their finishing, as wasted opportunities against a team of the Gunners’ caliber could be fatal. Arsenal may lack a traditional striker, but their recent 7-1 demolition of PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League showed just how ruthless they can be.
Sunday marks a milestone for Mikel Arteta, who will take charge of his 200th Premier League game as Arsenal manager. With 118 wins already under his belt, he is closing in on elite company—only Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho, and Jürgen Klopp have recorded more victories in their first 200 league matches. Yet, there’s one crucial difference: all four have lifted the Premier League trophy, a feat Arteta is still chasing.
Arsenal’s title charge has stuttered in recent weeks, with back-to-back goalless performances against Nottingham Forest and West Ham leaving them 13 points adrift of leaders Liverpool. That gap could widen to 16 points by Saturday if Jürgen Klopp’s side secure a routine win over Southampton.
However, Arsenal’s explosive response against PSV in midweek proved they are far from finished. Their historic 7-1 thrashing made them the first team to score seven goals away from home in a Champions League knockout game. With a quarter-final tie looming against either Atlético Madrid or Real Madrid, they will arrive at Old Trafford brimming with confidence.
Arsenal have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning their last four league clashes against United—including a 1-0 victory in this exact fixture last season. Another win would see them secure back-to-back league triumphs at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979. But United’s FA Cup third-round victory over the Gunners in January serves as a reminder that Amorim’s side is more than capable of flipping the script.
Manchester United have a real opportunity to expose Arsenal’s recent attacking struggles. According to Opta analysis, the Gunners have failed to score in their last two Premier League matches, registering just three shots on target combined. The last time they endured a three-game goal drought in the league was in August 2021, and they haven’t done so while sitting in the top two since November 2000. Adding to United’s optimism, Arsenal haven’t won consecutive away league games at Old Trafford since February 1979—a statistic the Red Devils will be desperate to maintain.
With both teams battling for crucial points, Sunday’s clash promises to be a blockbuster. Will United step up once again under the Old Trafford lights, or will Arsenal break their recent slump and tighten their grip on the top four? One thing is certain—this one is not to be missed.
Share your predictions in the comments below!
Manchester United’s record against Arsenal:
| Games won: | 102 |
| Games drawn: | 50 |
| Games lost: | 90 |
Team News:
(As of today 08/03/2025)
Manchester United: Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Johnny Evans, Amad, Martinez, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Patrick Dorgu, Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo remain unavailable.
Arsenal: Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still sidelined.
Prediction:
I believe Arsenal used up all their goals against PSV in midweek, and with Manchester United consistently stepping up against big teams during Amorim’s tenure, I think United can edge this one.
Manchester United 2- 1 Arsenal
What’s your prediction? Share your thoughts in the comments below!