What a game we have on our hands once club football resumes after the international break! It’s Manchester United vs Arsenal, one of the biggest games in English football. Jose Mourinho vs Arsene Wenger- this rivalry adds more spice to this iconic fixture. The two managers share more than a decade-old rivalry but it is the first time when Mourinho will lead a Manchester United side against Wenger’s Arsenal.
Manchester United have had an underwhelming start to their season under Mourinho and find themselves sixth in the table after 11 games with 18 points, 8 behind league leaders Liverpool and 6 behind fourth-placed Arsenal. The Red Devils went into the international break on a positive note beating Swansea City 3-1 while United could only salvage one point against Spurs in the North London Derby as the game finished 1-1.
In terms of recent form, Arsenal hold the upper hand over Manchester United in the game but these games are so hard to predict. Given that the manager is Mourinho, Arsenal must ensure that they play their best football at Old Trafford. If Manchester United have to come out of Old Trafford with a win, here are three things they should do.
Mark Ozil tightly
Mesut Ozil is in the form of his life right now. The German superstar is the brain of the Arsenal side with his exceptional eye for a pass. The former Real Madrid star can split even the tightest of defences with his vision and now he has added goals to his game as well. Mourinho knows the German maestro closely from his time at Real Madrid and in fact, he is the manager under whom Ozil made it big. The Portuguese needs to ensure that his side can mark Ozil which is not the easiest job in the world. Someone like Fellaini or Carrick or Schneiderlin needs to be deployed just to ensure that Ozil stays out of the game.
Use the wide areas more
Arsenal could miss Hector Bellerin through an injury against Manchester United which could be a big decisive factor in the game. Also, Alexis Sanchez is a major doubt for the game. Alex Iwobi’s defensive work rate is questionable and probably Wenger would have wanted Sanchez on the left flank against United with Giroud up front. With Bellerin and Sanchez doubtful, Arsenal will be vulnerable from both flanks. Manchester United must ensure that they use the wide areas more against the Red Devils.
Mourinho must start with Rooney
Yes, Rooney is not the same player that he used to be but in such games, the England and Manchester United could be the difference. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is missing through suspension after picking up five yellow cards which means United will play have to go for youth up front in Martial or Rashford. Rooney, with his experience, could have a big say.
