They’re particularly effective at dragging the opposition towards one side of the pitch, before suddenly switching play to the other flank and attacking into space. Antony’s goal against us at Old Trafford featured four consecutive backwards passes, drawing our press before cutting through the lines. We must be wary of that threat. What the managers say Arteta on United: “I think [Ten Hag] turned things around pretty quickly. He has implemented a very clear way of playing.
Red-hot Rashford behind United's rise After a disastrous start to the season that saw embarrassing defeats to Brighton and Brentford, Ten Hag has quietly been turning things around by winning 12 of their last 17 league encounters to climb into the top four and remain in all three cup competitions. Since the World Cup break, they beat Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Bournemouth, before knocking Everton out of the FA Cup. That was followed by a controversial victory over Manchester City on derby day, atoning for a 6-3 defeat back in October, before they were denied a six-straight league win thanks to Michael Olise’s stoppage-time free-kick in midweek grabbing Palace a point. This turnaround in fortunes has been powered by the goals of Marcus Rashford, who has scored eight times in his last eight matches.
Talking tactics Michael Cox, writing in the official matchday programme: Ten Hag has used a four-man defence this season, in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 shape. In midfield, Casemiro was the most eye-catching summer recruit and at times he has been used in conjunction with two playmakers, but against us, Fred may deputise in his absence. That could see either Bruno Fernandes or Christian Eriksen fielded wide and asked to drift inside. Antony, a more natural winger, offers a wide range of tricks, while 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho is increasingly an option from the start. At their best, United move the ball excellently.
Match officials It’s a quick reunion with Anthony Taylor, who previously took charge of us on New Year’s Eve when we beat Brighton. He has been a good omen for us this season, as he was also in charge of our opening-day win at Crystal Palace, and October’s derby success over Tottenham Hotspur. In fact, we have lost just six of the 46 games he has overseen, which includes the 2017 and 2020 FA Cup final wins over Chelsea, and have won the last seven. It is the second time he refereed this fixture, having overseen our 3-0 win at Emirates Stadium in 2015.
The only side they've beaten twice in the same Premier League campaign when the opponent was top both times is Newcastle United in 1995/96. This is just the third time we are hosting United in a Premier League match while top of the table, with the previous two meetings ending in draws – 1-1 in March 2004 and 2-2 in November 2007.