Manchester United v Arsenal: ReUnited

Manchester United v Arsenal: Re-United

Yes, I stole the title off Sky Sports, let’s get down to business.

After the pitfalls of the international break, league football resumes normal service and this weekend we see Manchester United entertain Arsenal. Going into this match, history favours Manchester United as Arsenal have only ever won one match against a side managed by Mourinho.

Mourinho v Wenger stats:

Jose Mourinho has won five of the 11 league meetings between the managers, whilst Arsene Wenger has yet to claim a win against his old foe in the league. The only victory against Mourinho he has to his name is the 2015 Community Shield final. The teams have played out six draws.

The last time Arsenal beat Manchester United at Old Trafford was back in September 2006, with the goal coming from Emmanuel Adebayor with four minutes to go.

After failing to end their North London rivals unbeaten run last time out, Arsenal will be raring to beat the Manchester side in order to maintain their push for the title.

On the injury front, Hector Bellerin is set to be out for four weeks, so I’d imagine Carl Jenkinson would fill in at right-back, he will have traumatic memories though, having been a part of the side which was thumped 8-2 in 2011. Meanwhile, Alexis Sanchez will be assessed and whether he plays or not is uncertain. He has declared his fitness to Wenger but a late fitness will be the deciding factor. If Sanchez doesn’t start, then its most likely that Olivier Giroud will take his place. The date of Santi Cazorla’s return from injury is still yet to be confirmed, he’s been out since the start of October, but he is definitely not expected back for this match.

Wenger has told reporters that he will respect the Portuguese manager, despite what has happened between the two in the past. He also went on to imply that league clashes aren’t about the managers but are about the what happens on the pitch. Wenger will certainly be focusing on that as he would dearly love to get a win over his old enemy at his new home ground.

A win for Arsenal will see them go top (for a few hours at least), whilst a win for Manchester United will see them leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur into fifth (if they win by six goals, and Tottenham lose).

Can Arsenal and Arsene Wenger get over their Mourinho/Old Trafford hoodoo or will Jose’s men have the last laugh and continue their dominance?

Feature image credit: Acruz319