A historic clash involving two powerhouses with contrasting fortunes clouds our presence on Sunday, May 12, 2024, as Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford.
This encounter could birth different reactions, with the Gunners chasing the Premier League title, while the Red Devils aim to return to winning ways, having been in rocky form in recent months.
Arsenal head into this fixture as heavy favorites, and given what they have their eyes on, they will want to exude brilliance in Manchester.
Manchester United wreathed in inconsistency this campaign and a watery showing across all fronts, they look to end the season on a high by providing fans some respite.
Erik Ten Hag’s side have won 1 of their last 8 fixtures across all competitions, and they return to their home turf following a 4-0 humbling received at the hands of Crystal Palace.
The Red Devils lacked mental strength in that game, and they capitulated at Selhurst Park, losing to Oliver Glasner’s Eagles.
Manchester United have remained epileptic all season, with the team disastrous and woeful for most parts of the campaign.
They have failed to defeat any of the top 3 teams in the Premier League this campaign, drawing in both legs against Liverpool, whilst being defeated in their home and away outings against neighbors Manchester City.
Scoreline Of The First Leg Meeting Between Both Clubs
They lost 3-1 in the reverse fixture against Arsenal, also faltering in the late stages of the game like they have done most times this season.
Anyway, the thing to be joyful about for them going into this game, is seeing youngster Kobbie Mainoo being named amongst the shortlisted players for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.
He has been a shining light for Manchester United this campaign, in the midst of underwhelming and underperforming players.
The Red Devils fortunes this season will likely hamper his chances, but Mainoo is certainly one player who is expected to do big things in the coming years.
Arsenal Aim To Pick Up Home And Away League Wins Against Manchester United
Arsenal visit Old Trafford looking to secure home and away league victories against wounded Manchester United.
The Gunners have only lost one league game in 2024, losing 2-0 to Aston Villa on April 14, 2024.
Definitely, it brought a sour taste in the mouth of the fans, with that game being pointed towards as one where they might rue, as the encounter where they lost the title to Manchester City.
They have just 2 more matches this campaign, one against Manchester United, and the other on the final day of the season, at the Emirates against Everton.
Why Arsenal Will Not Win The League If Manchester City Win Their Remaining Matches This Season
Mikel Arteta’s side are expected to come out victorious in both matches, however, that might not be enough for them to win the league crown.
This is due to Manchester City having 3 more matches to play this season with the inclusion of an outstanding fixture against Spurs.
City head to Craven Cottage this weekend before traveling to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium and subsequently hosting the Hammers on the final day of the campaign.
If they go on to win all these matches, they will be crowned champions of the Premier League for the 4th season in a row.
Still on Arsenal, they come into the game against Manchester United, following a comfortable 3-0 win over Bournemouth.
Bukayo Saka scored via the spot in the 45th minute, while Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice netted in the 70th and 90+7 minute respectively.
The Gunners also have several names shortlisted for end-of-season awards, with manager Mikel Arteta named on the shortlist of managers for the Manager of the Season award.
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard were also nominated for the Player of the Season award, with William Saliba and Bukayo Saka being amongst the nominees for the Young Player of the Season award.
Moreover, Arsenal and Manchester United have for several decades battled hard, and in the last 31 meetings between both clubs across all competitions, Manchester United has won 14, while Arsenal has won 10.
The encounter has also ended with both sides sharing the spots on 7 different occasions.
Team News for Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes is expected to return for the game against Arsenal, having suffered a knock that saw him miss out of Manchester United’s defeat to Crystal Palace.
That was the first game Fernandes has ever missed in his career due to injury.
Scott McTominay could also return, and both Marcus Rashford alongside Lisandro Martinez have returned to first-team training.
Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, and Willy Kambwala remain all absent for the remainder of matches this season due to injury.
Team News For Arsenal
Arsenal look clean in terms of their injury list, for the first time this campaign, with Dutch defender Jurrien Timber in contention to make his first appearance since he played their opening game of the season against Nottingham Forest.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Arsenal
Kick-off Time And Date: 04:30 PM (WAT) and Sunday, May 12, 2024.
