Arsenal come into the clash off a strong 2024/25 campaign for the 25/26 Premier League season and look to extend their home dominance against the Red Devils, while United have had an inconsistent run but remain dangerous, particularly in transition.
Last season’s meeting at the Old Trafford saw Arsenal held to a 1-1 draw and a return fixtures at the Emirates defeating United 2-0, capitalising on set pieces and defensive lapses by Ruben Amorim’s side.
Tactical Insights
Arsenal (Mikel Arteta)
Formation: Predominantly 4-3-3 or 3-2-5 in possession.
Tactical Traits:
Arsenal build play through inverted full-backs, allowing Declan Rice or Thomas Partey to push into advanced areas.
They overload the left channel with combinations between Martinelli, Zinchenko (or Timber), and Havertz.
High pressing off the ball — especially effective against teams that attempt to build from the back like United.
Dangerous from set-pieces and second-ball situations — both goals in their last win vs United came via corners.
Key Players:
Bukayo Saka: Direct threat cutting in from the right. Often isolates defenders 1v1.
Martin Ødegaard: Orchestrator in half-spaces; key in breaking United’s midfield lines.
William Saliba: Provides recovery pace and composure against transitions.
Manchester United (Ruben Amorim)
Formation: 4-2-3-1, often morphing into a 4-4-2 off the ball.
Tactical Traits:
Ruben Amorim like his predecessor Erik Ten Hag prefer quick transitions, using the pace of the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo to exploit space left by attacking full-backs.
Midfield often struggles when pressed aggressively — Casemiro, Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte are prone to turnovers under pressure.
United have relied heavily on individual brilliance rather than structured patterns of play. Vulnerable to cutbacks and late runs into the box, especially against fluid teams like Arsenal.
Key Players:
Bruno Fernandes: If given time, can split defences with direct passing.
Amad Diallo: Arsenal’s high line could leave space for him to exploit behind.
André Onana: Key to breaking Arsenal’s press — distribution under pressure will be tested.
If Arsenal maintain control in midfield and keep United from breaking into space, they should dominate both territory and possession. United’s best hope lies in quick counters and individual moments from Fernandes, Diallo or Garnacho. Expect Arsenal to create more chances, especially down the flanks and via set-pieces.
Photo: Tom Jenkins/ Getty Images
