Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford this Thursday as two of Premier League’s biggest clubs look to move on from their past glories and into a new dawn. While many expected new boss Ralf Rangnick to take charge against the Gunners, it appears caretaker manager Michael Carrick will grace the touchline for one final time on Thursday, with Rangnick likely to coach the team for Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Following a decent point against Chelsea, the Red Devils will be hoping to impress their new interim manager with a victory against the North London club. United have struggled to amass points this season, having taken only five out of a possible 24 in their last eight games, but will be keen on improving their results ahead of a demanding fixture schedule.

Despite palpable resentment towards his attitude and performances, Harry Maguire is likely to walk his way into the starting line-up after serving his suspension, with Eric Bailly being expected to be the casualty. Meanwhile, the likes of Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba, and Raphael Varane remain out of contention, while Luke Shaw remains doubtful for the Manchester United vs Arsenal clash.

With Rangnick likely to be seated in the director’s box, the team will be hoping to impress their new boss against the Gunners. Given the need to find some momentum ahead of a string of fixtures, Carrick will be hoping to bow out with a 100% record as the club’s caretaker manager.

Manchester United vs Arsenal: Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3)

Unlikely to witness a ‘managerial bounce’ given the delay in Rangnick’s appointment, Carrick & Co. will potentially pragmatically approach the game. On the other hand, given their impressive form heading into the fixture, the Gunners will be eyeing an easy three points, despite the possibility of a resounding performance by the home side.

Provided Manchester United display a semi-attacking approach, they are likely to cause troubles for an Arsenal side struggling to gain consistency away from home this season. However, if the Gunners are to remain confident and execute their tactics efficiently, given their cohesion across the pitch, the hosts could potentially find it increasingly difficult to salvage a result throughout the game.

Goalkeeper

David De Gea (GK) – The team’s most reliable player this season, David de Gea emerges as the foremost name on the team sheet against Arsenal. The Spaniard, once again, displayed his shot-stopping consistency against Chelsea, having pulled off a string of close-range saves in the opening minutes. Unlikely to be displaced anytime soon, De Gea is likely to remain United’s No.1 for the remainder of the campaign.

Defenders

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) – Facing a boisterous left-sided attack, Wan-Bissaka will, once again, be tasked with nullifying Arsenal’s attacking players. Although the right-back continues to be a force in defence, his lack of attacking potential continues to impede United’s build-up play. Named amongst the bunch of players likely to struggle for a spot under the new manager, Wan-Bissaka will be keen on displaying a much-improved performance on Thursday.

Eric Bailly (RCB) – With Victor Lindelof being a regular starter since Varane’s injury, the former is likely to be rested, with Bailly potentially retaining his place following an impressive display against Chelsea. The Ivorian’s pace and physical attributes will be vital if the hosts are to play a high defensive line, while his good form adds the prospect of keeping a clean sheet against the Gunners.

Harry Maguire (LCB) – Having served his one-game suspension, Maguire is expected to retain his place in the starting line-up. Although the Englishman continues delivering below-par performances, given his supposed ‘leadership,’ the centre-back is likely to be accommodated in the backline. Arguably, the team’s most excruciating performer this season, Maguire will be keen on making an impression on his new manager.

Alex Telles (LB) – Amongst the players yet to receive a fair string of chances under the current management, Telles is likely to benefit from the arrival of Rangnick. The Brazilian has displayed noteworthy discipline, given his attack-oriented attributes and served as an efficient replacement to Luke Shaw at left-back. Provided he builds on his recent performances, Telles is likely to have a shot at replacing Shaw over the remainder of the campaign.

Midfielders

Scott McTominay (CM) – Despite delivering another sub-standard performance against Chelsea, McTominay is likely to retain his place in the starting line-up. The Scotsman is understood to be amongst the ‘favourites’ under the current coaching staff, thereby, being likely to be amongst the first names on the team sheet, regardless of his underwhelming performances. However, provided he begins to show an iota of positive change consistency in his game, McTominay could make an impression on Rangnick.

Fred (CM) – After displaying a relatively impressive performance against Chelsea, the Brazilian is likely to retain his place on Thursday. Fred’s tenacity combined with his tackling played a vital part in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, and the same will be expected of the midfielder in the Manchester United vs Arsenal fixture. Given he finds some consistency and reduces persistent errors within his game, Fred is expected to significantly improve under the tutelage of the incoming manager.

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Bruno Fernandes (CAM) – Witnessing a rather sombre spell following his blistering start to the season, Fernandes will be keen on passing the test against the North London outfit. The midfielder’s vision will be key to breaking down the visitors’ solid defence, while his energy will be critical in maintaining the team’s shape throughout the game.

Forwards

Jadon Sancho (RW) – After displaying a well-rounded performance against Chelsea, Sancho will be looking to make an impression on the incoming manager. The winger’s work rate combined with his attacking contribution has been pivotal to United’s upturn in results since the sacking of their previous manager, and he will be hoping to increase his output over a relentless fixture schedule. Given Mason Greenwood’s return to the match-day squad, Sancho will be keen on cementing his spot amidst the possibility of being reduced to a bench role under the new manager.

Read More:

• De Gea Rated Highest as Rashford Disappoints: Here’s How United Players Fared Against Chelsea
• Ralf Rangnick Appointed as Interim Manager | What Does the German Bring to Manchester United?

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) – Having started off the bench against Chelsea, Ronaldo is likely to be involved from the get-go against Arsenal. The striker’s presence and all-rounded attributes will be pivotal to United’s goal-scoring opportunities, while he will be looking to make a long-lasting impression on Rangnick.

Anthony Martial (LW) – Given Marcus Rashford’s poor work rate against Chelsea, Martial is more than likely to contribute in nullifying Arsenal’s proficient right-sided attack on Thursday. While both of United’s left-forwards have been lacking in attack, Martial continues being the player assisting his left-back without possession. Although Rashford is likely to retain his place in the line-up, Martial could unsurprisingly be given the nod ahead of him owing to a tight fixture schedule over the coming months.

Score Prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal

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