On a day when Manchester United supporters will march in unified protests against the Glazer family’s abuse of a weary fanbase, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal make the trip North for the latest chapter in this historic Premier League rivalry.
The contrasting fortunes of both sides are a harrowing reminder of the daily neglect inflicted by idle ownership, with United occupying 14th in the table while their visitors sit 2nd behind Liverpool.
A midweek Europa League draw handed Ruben Amorim a marginal advantage against Real Sociedad in a competition representing the only realistic opportunity for European football in 2025-26.
Truthfully, it’s challenging to paint a positive picture for the one-time giant of the English game, with a barrage of underwhelming performances accompanying disappointment in the FA Cup against Fulham.
But, if anything is to be said about momentum, Amorim’s men are unbeaten in two Premier League outings and have collected four points from the last six on offer. Additionally, this team has a track record of rising to an ‘underdog’ tag.
Manchester United team news
The former Sporting supremo addressed the media at the Reale Arena following the midweek draw in Spain.
Injuries have once more placed an additional burden on the 20-time English champions, with nine first-team players enduring various setbacks in recent weeks and months.
When pressed for a timeframe for names such as Manuel Ugarte, Amorim dismissed any immediate clarification. “I don’t know. I don’t know – we need to survive Sunday,” he stated. “The team was so tired in the last 20 minutes.
“We have to prepare for Sunday and then think about this important game in our season on Thursday. But, in this moment, I don’t know.
“Everybody can start. If they are training tomorrow [Friday], if they played today [Thursday], they can be ready. Chido is on the list – so he can play.
“We are trying to see all the players that are fresh and that are not in danger of getting an injury. Even that, we have to risk a little but we have to be competitive on Sunday.”
Toby Collyer returned in Spain following a four-game absence and is in line to feature. But Patrick Dorgu serves the second of his three-match domestic suspension and will be sorely missed.
The Reds have lost the previous four encounters between the sides, signalling the worst run in the club’s history against the Gunners.
That said, they hold the proud distinction of inflicting the most defeats on Arsenal with 99 and have only beaten Aston Villa (106) on more occasions.
Following a comeback win against Ipswich in February, Amorim is aiming to earn consecutive Premier League victories for the first time this season.
Astonishingly, this is the longest drought for back-to-back league wins in 57 years, having waited for games 32 and 33 during the 1968-69 campaign.
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