Manchester United vs Arsenal: Three key battles
Manchester United’s Premier League season is drawing to a close, with Sunday’s match against Arsenal being the final game at Old Trafford.
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The Red Devils will be looking to avenge the FA Cup defeat against Arsenal at Old Trafford back in March. In addition, they’ll be looking to gain a crucial three points in the possibility of moving higher in the top four in order to avoid a Champions League playoff, while Arsenal will be looking to stave off United’s late push.
It’s been a decent first season for Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford having accomplished his goal of Champions League play next season with the win against Crystal Palace. The match against the Gunners won’t have far reaching implications, but the Dutchman will likely use it as a test for his squad. With the transfer window fast approaching, he’ll be looking for weaknesses and strengths in the team. Keeping that in mind, here are the three key battles that could decide the match.
Full-backs vs Wingers
United’s full-backs will be under siege from Arsenal’s wingers for much of the game. It’s getting a bit repetitive to consistently point out Valencia as a deciding factor, but his play goes a long way in determining the result. He’s had a mediocre season, to say the least. In the FA Cup match in March, Valencia made a critical mistake in a poor back-pass to de Gea. Danny Welbeck was able to pounce and finish, giving the Gunners the go ahead goal.
On the other side, Luke Shaw will be facing off against Alexis Sanchez. This full-back vs winger match-up could be even more pivotal, as Alexis Sanchez has arguably been Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat this season. Similar to the Ramsey on the other side of the field, Sanchez works well in linking up with Ozil. Unfortunately for Shaw, Sanchez can also change a match on his own. He’s got good pace, great physicality, and an unwavering passion for the game, all of which could put United’s left-back under pressure for the duration of the match.
Shaw and Valencia will need to be on constant watch with the Gunners’ wingers, as they enjoy breaking quickly on the counter attack. Communication with Ashley Young and Juan Mata, assuming those are United’s wingers for the match, will be critical if the two full-backs advance up the pitch and need cover.
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Ander Herrera vs Francis Coquelin
Manchester United’s fortunes this calendar year have largely been related to Ander Herrera’s showing in the matches. In the losses against Chelsea, Everton, and West Brom, Herrera had average performances with no real impact on the matches. At times he looked slow in possession and unable to find a way through the opposition’s defenses. Fortunately, he’ll likely find more space to work with in the match against Arsenal as both teams prefer to play attacking football.
His most direct counterpart will be Francis Coquelin, who’s been one of Arsene Wenger’s pleasant surprises in the squad this season. The French defensive midfielder has been key to the team’s finish in the top four, as he’s taken on the midfield general position that Mikel Arteta failed to hold. For United’s attacks to result in genuine chances, Herrera will need to outclass Coquelin in the centre of the field.
Wayne Rooney vs Per Mertesacker
Back when United faced Arsenal in the FA Cup match, Wayne Rooney made a return to the striker role after several games in the deep midfield position. He played well, showing his class despite not getting on the scorer’s sheet. This time around, the same idea could apply, as the Captain has been slightly out of form recently, finding it difficult to impose his will on the matches.
Though often hidden by lengthy spells of possession, Arsenal’s center back pairing, led by Per Mertesacker, has been vulnerable at times. The German is average in tackling, which Rooney could look to exploit. The striker is also known for his mobility, a trait that could be advantageous in running the Gunners’ defense ragged. If the England international can link up well with his supporting cast, it could be a decent goal haul for the Red Devils at Old Trafford.