Michael Carrick is eyeing his first win in the Premier League as Manchester United take on Arsenal on Thursday. Although the club has confirmed Ralf Rangnick as its new interim manager, the German won’t be available for this midweek’s encounter due to Covid and work permit, giving Carrick the opportunity to secure his first Premier League win in charge of United.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup Vs Arsenal
Defence
Manchester United have been boosted by the return of Harry Maguire this midweek. The club captain has served his suspension and is set to marshall the Man United backline, featuring alongside Victor Lindelof at centre-back.
There shouldn’t be any changes elsewhere, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka set to continue at right-back despite his poor form this season. Luke Shaw, meanwhile, was unavailable against Chelsea and his fitness is set to be assessed prior to the game.
The left-back largely remains a doubt, which means Alex Telles is once again in contention for a start. The Brazilian will be keen on making an impression after enduring a difficult start to the season.
There won’t be any changes in goal either, with David de Gea hoping to keep a rare clean sheet up against an Arsenal attack that has lacked the productivity this term.
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Midfield
Given the way Fred and Scott McTominay performed in the last match, Carrick is unlikely to bench either of them this midweek. In fact, they are expected to form the double-pivot, while Nemanja Matic could be a casualty with Manchester United returning to a 4-2-3-1 setup.
Hence, the onus will be on Fred and McTominay to offer stability in the middle of the park. With Paul Pogba out injured, they are set to be aided by the number ten in Bruno Fernandes, while Donny van de Beek is a potential option from the bench.
Attack
Matic returning to the bench will allow Manchester United to deploy an extra forward against Arsenal. Cristiano Ronaldo is set to fill that void after starting on the bench on the weekend.
The Portuguese international will spearhead the line for United, with additional assistance from the wide attackers in Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, who has scored two goals in the last two matches. Mason Greenwood is a potential option as well, having recovered from Covid-19.
