In order to win against Manchester United, Mikel Arteta must start one of his top players.
In an effort to build on the title-challenging performance of the previous season in 2023–24, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have had a strong start to the new season.
The north Londoners dropped their first two points of the campaign last weekend at home to Fulham in a dramatic match at the Emirates, but the Spaniard has so far guided his team to two victories out of three in the Premier League.
For the third time at home this year, the Gunners conceded in the first few minutes of the game, which was a far cry from the desired outcome.
This feat must be broken on Sunday when Arsenal host Manchester United in what looks to be an exciting matchup.
What is the most recent Manchester United team news for Arsenal?
Takehiro Tomiyasu will once again be in the running to start after serving a one-match suspension for receiving a contentious red card against Crystal Palace in match week two.
Eddie Nketiah, an English player, has been listed as a potential injury doubt after suffering a knee injury against Fulham, but he might still be able to play against United.
This is a huge boost for Arteta, who will have his first-choice striker available for the match, as Gabriel Jesus made his return to action after missing the start of the season due to a knee injury.
In terms of transfers, Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney both left on loan before the transfer window closed, igniting speculation about who might start at the back.
Will Gabriel Magalhaes face Manchester United from the beginning?
When compared to the 2022–23 season, during which the Brazilian played in every Premier League game, Gabriel Magalhaes‘ absence from the starting lineup has caused some confusion at the beginning of the current campaign.
In a change of tactical options at the back, the 25-year-old has started on the bench for the first games, which may not have worked as well as expected for Arteta.
With Thomas Partey starting at right back, Ben White and William Saliba at center back, and Jakub Kiwior on the left side, the defense against Fulham lacked cohesion.
One of the things that made Arsenal tick last season was the partnership of White and Oleksandr Zinchenko at full-back, with Saliba and Gabriel at the center of defense, a dynamic that has been missing thus far.
The Brazilian’s case for being reinstated to the starting eleven has been strengthened by the Spaniard’s decision to test the waters with unfamiliar setups against United.
The 25-year-old, dubbed a “monster” by journalist Jason Soutar, earned a 7.1 Sofascore match rating the last time the two sides played competitively, winning all of his ground duels and helping to muffle Marcus Rashford’s roar.
With United’s vivacious Englishman eager to add to his scoring total for the 2023–24 season, if used in his usual position on Sunday, the former Lille machine could repeat history at a crucial moment.
Arteta’s return to the Gunners’ defense against the Red Devils, a match that both teams must win given their intense rivalry, could also bring back the £27 million player.
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