MANCHESTER UNITED will do everything in their power to stop Arsenal from winning the Premier League title – and just avoiding defeat on Sunday could be enough.
However, this is easier said than done based on the Red Devils’ recent performances.
Erik ten Hag’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Burnley almost a fortnight ago.
Then things went from bad to worse last Monday as they were on the wrong end of a 4-0 battering courtesy of Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, their arch-nemesis Arsenal have been in phenomenal form this calendar year – securing 42 out of 46 points and most recently thrashing in-form Bournemouth 3-0.
But one slip-up for the Gunners could see them hand the title to Manchester City and United will be well aware of that.
What is their form like?
Since being knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich, Arsenal have won all four of their following games, scoring 13 and conceding only twice.
Mikel Arteta’s men have the best away record in the league this season which will only make it even more difficult for Man Utd.
Ten Hag’s side haven’t kept a clean sheet in nine games and are ranked tenth in goals scored per match with 1.5 goals.
The Red Devils have only won once in their last eight games when they scored two goals in the last ten minutes against Sheffield United.
They will be looking to improve their form as they seek a place in the Europa League next season.
Ones to watch
Summer signing Declan Rice has proven to be worth every penny of the £100million the Gunners paid for him.
He has played a crucial role in Arteta’s title push this season and has managed to help sure up their defence whilst getting involved in the goals.
The England midfielder has seven goals and nine assists across all competitions and has been involved in four goals in the last three games.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes continues to be the only spark at Man Utd.
Despite the Red Devils struggling for form this season, the midfielder has created the second most amount of big chances (20).
The Portuguese midfielder scored twice against Sheffield United before leaving empty-handed against Burnley and missing the Palace game due to injury.
What has been said?
Speaking after the 4-0 loss to Palace, Erik ten Hag said: “‘It was not good enough, I have to take responsibility for that but I will find energy and prepare them for Sunday’s game.
“We have to put it right on Sunday. We have to learn from this game and improve.”
Ten Hag also thanked the fans for their support at Selhurst Park, he said: “the fans were always behind us and we keep fighting, like the fans did.
“I was really grateful [to the fans]. They back us.”
Speaking after Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Bournemouth, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta said that he is “very excited” for the final two games of the season.
“We have done it for nine and a half months now so it’s two weeks to go. We really want to get it done.
“We are closer to where we were yesterday and hopefully we can bring that title here.”
More details from both managers to come after the pre-match press conference on Friday.
What is the team news?
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be hoping to have several key names back following the torrid trip to Selhurst Park which saw him field Casemiro in defence.
Scott McTominay (knee), Willy Kambwala (knock), Harry Maguire (muscle), Victor Lindelof (hamstring), Luke Shaw (muscle) all missed out on the Palace pummeling.
While Tyrrell Malacia (knee), Anthony Martial (groin), Raphael Varane (muscle) and Bruno Fernandes (muscle) were also unavailable for the 4-0 defeat.
However, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes returned to training.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta had a fully fit squad to get over the line against Bournemouth last weekend.
But there have been doubts regarding Takehiro Tomiyasu who is yet to train with the first team this week.
