Everything to Know about Manchester United vs. Arsenal: Schedule, How to Watch
Sunday’s Premier League clash sets the stage for the Gunners to tune up their form while the Red Devils languish in dysfunction.
When Arsenal travel to Old Trafford Sunday to square off against Manchester United, you could argue the most crucial element separating the chasm-length divide between the two Premier League behemoths is as mysterious as it is elusive: confidence. While the Ruben Amorim era continues to further devolve into turmoil, the Gunners, though probably too far out to catch Arne Slot’s red-hot Liverpool for the league title, are still basking in the glow of their annihilation of PSV in the UEFA Champions League. Even without Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Arteta’s side destroyed the Dutch club 7-1 in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie and will maintain ambitions of lifting some silverware in the prestigious competition.
Sadly, the Red Devils represent the antithesis of Arsenal’s momentum. Granted they eked out a 1-1 away draw to Real Sociedad in the UEFA Europa League, the long-term absences of star players like Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount along with evolving injuries from Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo have just been too burdensome to bear. When the players’ faces convey such fatigue and frustration at essentially playing with one arm tied behind their backs, the battle’s lost before it even begins. Still, stranger things have happened in the Premier League, which is why every fixture is worth a watch!
When and Where to Watch Manchester United vs. Arsenal
Usually a monster of a matchup, the Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Arsenal kicks off Sunday, March 9 at 12:30 pm ET. Ruben Amorim and the Red Devils are set to host Mikel Arteta and the Gunners at Old Trafford in Manchester. Referee Anthony Taylor will call the match with Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn assisting. Darren Bond will be the fourth official while Paul Tierney will serve on VAR with Tim Wood assisting. The game will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
Key Storylines
How much time does Ruben Amorim have?
Manchester United have found themselves battling a non-stop, dizzying onslaught of injuries this campaign that have left the them vulnerable in nearly every area of the pitch. With such few attacking options, we could be seeing new manager Ruben Amorim’s future at Old Trafford be further called into question. He's keenly aware of the pressure, remarking to reporters ahead of the clash the he doesn't expect to get the same amount of runway that his counterpart Arteta has had at Arsenal – he joined the club five years ago.
"I will not have the time Arteta had," Amorim said, according to ESPN. "I feel that. It's a different club, I think it's a different club. I think in that aspect the way Arteta dealt with that is an inspiration for everybody but I will not have the time like Arteta had."
Still Firing
In form and up to the task, the Gunners have fought valiantly under Arteta this season, but they still face a daunting 13-point gap between themselves and Liverpool, who sit atop the league table with 67 points. While that divide seems unlikely to be eclipsed, Arsenal, even with a host of debilitating injuries, have shown to be capable of mounting fluid attacks while maintaining possession like they did in their Champions League thrashing of PSV.
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Stars to Watch
Manchester United:
If you didn’t catch Rasmus Hojlund go ballistic on Diogo Dalot for not passing him the ball against Real Soceidad, it’s worth a gander as it encapsulates the collective frustration with United. Hojlund has been struggling mightily with his finishes this season, so a wide-open chance to net one might’ve been just what he needed. Instead, another missed opportunity. Hopefully, the two can put it past them.
Desperately needed to bring some consistency to the Red Devils’ back line, Harry Maguire’s robust form has been compromised by a lingering back issue that makes his availability a toss-up. He did not make the trip to Real Sociedad on Thursday, but there’s still time to pack in enough treatment that the Englishman could get the nod. That said, as much as Maguire’s talent is sorely missed, Amorim knows that rushing him back to the pitch now could be devastating later, and Old Trafford could honestly use a break from all the doom and gloom.
As much as United’s more senior strikers have struggled, going all in and allowing Chido Odi to start against the team that groomed him could be an excellent way for Amorim to shake things up at Old Trafford this weekend. The speedy youngster had a bright future with the Gunners before jumping ship to rival Man United, and many an Arsenal fan will be nervous to see him get the nod in the fixture.
Arsenal:
With Bukayo Saka injured much of the season, Ethan Nwaneri has not only helped carry the load for the Gunners this season, he’s been nothing short of sensational. Per The Independent, the winger became the third-youngest player to notch a goal in the Champions League knockout stage when he found the back of the net during Arsenal’s 7-1 drubbing of PSV. With his eighth goal of the season (in all competitions) recorded in stellar fashion, Nwaneri joins Bojan Krkic and English standout Jude Bellingham as the only other players to accomplish the feat. The 17-year-old could make a swift impact against United’s struggling defense.
While Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino both impressed for Arsenal during their massive win over PSV, it was Leandro Trossard who truly shined. The 30-year-old Belgian international delivered crisp, accurate passes while dominating the PSV defense. He put together an offensive package that was both decisive and creative, capping off his efficient play with a goal. If Odegaard can count on Trossard this weekend for a similar performance, it could be a long day for the Red Devils.
