PREVIEW: Jaded United welcome Arsenal still hopeful of first title in 20 years

On Super Sunday, Manchester United will host Arsenal at Old Trafford.


Erik ten Hag's men were defeated by Crystal Palace on Monday night, and they have all to do against the Gunners, who are still pursuing their first Premier League title since 2004.

Arsenal won the first encounter between these teams in early September, with Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus scoring in stoppage time to enable Mikel Arteta's side win 3-1. The north London club would gladly welcome a repeat of that result.

Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes, and Scott McTominay all returned to team training, providing a significant boost for the hosts.

Anthony Martial may possibly make a rare appearance, having  taken part in full training a few months on from his groin operation, but Ten Hag has confirmed that Sunday will come too soon for the injury-riddled Martinez.

Tyrell Malacia (knee), Willy Kambwala (unspecified), Victor Lindelof (thigh), Raphael Varane (muscle), Harry Maguire (muscle) and Luke Shaw (thigh) remain out of action alongside new absentee Mason Mount,

Tyrell Malacia (knee), Willy Kambwala (unspecified), Victor Lindelof (thigh), Raphael Varane (muscle), Harry Maguire (muscle), and Luke Shaw (thigh) all out of action, along with new absentee Mason Mount.


For Arsenal, Arteta stated at his news conference that both Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu were minor doubts, which could have been merely smoke and mirrors from the Gunners' manager.

There is still a lingering question mark over Jurrien Timber's head; the Dutchman has played two games for the Under-21s after his ACL injury but did not feature in the Bournemouth victory.

Timber would only make the bench at Old Trafford anyway, as Arteta is in no position to modify the winning formula, therefore Thomas Partey should stay as the visitors' number six over Jorginho, who has just penned a contract extension in North London.

Now on 20 goals for the season in all competitions, Saka has five contributions against Man United in the Premier League, three of his own and two assists – only Thierry Henry boasts more direct involvements for the title-chasing Gunners in this fixture – and it would be a surprise not to see him start despite his apparent setback.