As Manchester United prepare for their trip to North London for a crucial Premier League showdown against Arsenal, both sides seem to be under pressure to perform. United, having secured two wins and a loss in their opening three fixtures, will be pitted against an Arsenal side that hasn’t quite matched the standards they set under Mikel Arteta last season.
In their previous meeting at the Emirates Stadium, United were dealt a 3-2 defeat, courtesy of a last-gasp winner by Eddie Nketiah. However, this time around, Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils appear bolstered by several new faces.
In team news, the manager confirmed that Rasmus Hojlund has recovered from his injury and was seen boarding the team bus to London. Also making the trip is Sergio Reguilon, the emergency loan signing. The Spanish left-back was drafted into the squad following injuries to both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, and was signed just on the transfer deadline day.
Rasmus ready for Arsenal 💪 pic.twitter.com/EyluN7plOE
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) September 2, 2023
Another deadline day arrival, backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, will also be part of the matchday ensemble. Bayindir has stepped in to fill the void left by Dean Henderson, who recently transferred to Crystal Palace.
Veteran defender Jonny Evans is in the mix as well, having inked a one-year extension with United. He’s filling in for the injured Raphael Varane, although Victor Lindelof is tipped to be in the starting XI. Interestingly, despite landing Sofyan Amrabat on the final day of the transfer window, he won’t be making an appearance against the Gunners.
The whereabouts of Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho are currently unknown as they weren’t seen with the main group, and no official word has come from the club regarding their status.
Youth players Dan Gore and Hannibal Mejbri have also been integrated into the squad for this encounter. Although there was uncertainty surrounding Hannibal’s future at the club during the transfer deadline, it now seems he’s expected to have a more significant role under Ten Hag.
The complete squad list, as disclosed by the Manchester Evening News via Eamonn and James Clarke Photography, is as follows:
Manchester United’s Squad for Arsenal Clash:
Goalkeepers: Bayindir, Onana, Vitek;
Defenders: Dalot, Evans, Lindelof, Maguire, Martinez, Reguilon, Wan-Bissaka;
Midfielders: Casemiro, Eriksen, Hannibal, Fernandes, Gore;
Forwards: Antony, Hojlund, Garnacho, Martial, Rashford, Pellistri
Come on United!
