Manchester United have an armoury of talent at their disposal any manager would envy. Which is handy considering their next opponents are the in-form Gunners.
But which 11 Red Devils will line up to face Arsenal at Old Trafford in the Premier League this evening? It’s a question that lingers over every United fixture, let alone one with such significance and history.
Carrick in control for Manchester United vs Arsenal
Michael Carrick made headlines with his previous team selection, opting to drop Cristiano Ronaldo for the trip to Chelsea on Sunday.
Carrick is set to make the picks again tonight, although interim boss Ralf Rangnick should be in attendance following confirmation of his work permit.
Surely the stand-in coach will want to put on a show for the man who will soon be king? That means reintroducing Ronaldo to the starting XI and releasing the handbrake against Arsenal.
It might also be wise for Carrick, if he wants to leave a good impression on Rangnick, to pick a player who seems to love this particular fixture.
We’re talking about a player the German manager could be excused for knowing little or nothing about.
Lingard lost at sea
Jesse Lingard has rarely seen the light of day in a United shirt this season. His appearance record stands at just ten for the term.
Even more remarkably, the 28-year-old has started just one of those outings. He was little more than a spare part in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s machine, a theme Carrick has yet to change.
However, Lingard’s record in meetings with Arsenal might make the former United midfielder rethink his tactics.
Lingard has netted five goals in nine games when facing Arsenal. That’s the joint most he’s scored against a single opponent in his senior career, alongside Leicester City.
One of those goals arrived in West Ham United colours last season during a thrilling 3-3 draw at the London Stadium.
The most recent Manchester United goal for Lingard in this fixture was on 25 January 2019 in the FA Cup – the last time United beat Arsenal across all competitions.
Although far from first choice in the current United pecking order, Lingard could easily replace one of the regular starters.
Bruno Fernandes has looked far from himself lately, Nemanja Matic struggles to play two games in a row, and Jadon Sancho is due a rest.
Lingard presses well from the front, too, something Rangnick would certainly warm to with his preference for gegen-press.
Think carefully about this one, Mr Carrick.
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