da gbg bet： Jose Mourinho faces the unenviable task of attempting to change the fortunes of Manchester United. This Saturday, the challenge does not become any easier with Arsenal visiting Old Trafford – an arena that has not witnessed a Premier League win since September.
da cassino： The Red Devils have been unable to capture that winning feeling since derby defeat to Manchester City in September. Mourinho has mustered just two victories during that period, and the form of the most crucial players in the squad has become something of a worry for the Old Trafford faithful.
But what must Mourinho change against Arsenal this weekend? The selection of the team must be close to perfection, as Jose will have the difficult task of ending Arsenal’s ten-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Historically, the visit of Arsenal has never proved an insurmountable challenge for both Mourinho and United. But to continue that trend, this starting XI must be picked.
GK: David De Gea
There remains none better than De Gea in the Premier League, but the Spaniard will be required to bring his A game for the visit of Arsenal this weekend.
Arsenal are going to create chances due to their attacking threat but if De Gea can reproduce his best performances this weekend, United may finally secure another Old Trafford victory.
The glovesman is enjoying yet another strong campaign, notching up 19 saves and four clean sheets in eleven Premier League appearances thus far.
RB: Matteo Darmian
Antonio Valencia’s injury is likely to witness Darmian deputise in the absence of the winger-come-right-back.
The Italian international has struggled to settle into life in Manchester following his 2015 move from Torino, but this game against Arsenal may prove a turning point in his Premier League career.
Potentially up against Alexis Sanchez, Darmian may find himself facing the most difficult task of any Premier League player this weekend with the Chilean in phenomenal form.
CB: Marcos Rojo
Jose Mourinho doesn’t appear particularly convinced by Marcos Rojo but needs must and the Argentine is arguably his best central defensive option at the moment, with Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling both sidelined through injury.
That could convince Mourinho to give Phil Jones the nod instead but with Arsenal lacking aerial menace, working on the assumption Olivier Giroud will start on the bench, Rojo’s pace and defending on the deck could prove more important on Saturday.
CB: Daley Blind
Despite United’s recent slump in fortunes, Blind remains one of the club’s most consistent performers, excelling in a variety of roles across the back line and midfield.
However, when it comes to big games, Blind has gathered a reputation for making crucial mistakes at crucial moments – with the Manchester derby being the more recent example.
Blind will need to ensure his mistakes are kept to a minimum, especially with Alexis Sanchez in red hot form right now.
LB: Luke Shaw
Shaw remains a minor doubt for the game, but the left-back is expected to return in time for the visit of the Gunners.
His position as the club’s number one left-back seemingly remains intact for now, despite Mourinho recently criticising him in public, and his speed and power could prove vital in stopping Theo Walcott finding the net from the right-hand side.
The England international hasn’t started in the Premier League since the end of October, however, and may lack match sharpness.
CM: Ander Herrera
It’s difficult to envisage why Ander Herrera cannot hold down a regular starting berth at Old Trafford. Herrera recently made his Spain debut against England and is expected to return from suspension against Arsenal.
Herrera should replace the out-of-form Paul Pogba in the engine room, whose contribution has been worryingly limited for the world’s most expensive player of all time.
Herrera’s dynamism, determination and passing, meanwhile, could prove decisive in the midfield battle.
CM: Michael Carrick
What will require Jose to put Michael Carrick back into the United first-team? His age may be a point of concern but the midfielder continues to dominate games with his experience, anticipation and quality on the ball.
Arsenal will attempt to pass their way through the United midfield but Carrick’s presence should ensure the Red Devils control the tempo of the game and retain possession as much as possible. Carrick’s only Premier League start of the campaign was way back in August.
RM: Juan Mata
Mata has been United’s best performer this campaign, despite not being a guaranteed a place in the starting XI, and his trickery and vision will be the necessary components to overcome this in-form Arsenal side.
Mourinho should ensure his trust in Mata remains for Saturday. Nacho Monreal is a solid full-back but the Spaniard could have his countryman on toast this weekend. That being said, the real danger is when he cuts inside.
LM: Anthony Martial
Mourinho needs to play Martial more. The Frenchman is a phenomenal talent but his potential will be stifled if the United gaffer continues to keep him on the sidelines.
This weekend is the ideal opportunity to bring Martial back in. With Hector Bellerin injured, Carl Jenkinson looks set to make his first Premier League start of the season at right-back.
Martial’s got the power, pace and talent to take advantage of any ring rust on Jenkinson’s part, giving him the potential to be a real match-winner on the left-hand side.
CAM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
United’s biggest concern has been their lack of creativity in attacking positions. Far too regularly, they continue to come unstuck against teams they should be securing victories over – such as Burnley and Stoke.
Mkhitaryan’s influence could regenerate the flair this lacklustre United team, and cause some concerns for the Arsenal defence.
However, the Armenian international’s barely featured since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund and doesn’t appear to be on good terms with Mourinho.
ST: Marcus Rashford
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic missing from Saturday’s contest, Rashford is finally set to make his first league start playing as the central striker.
Despite spending the majority of the campaign on the wing, the youngster has still managed to find four goals across all competitions this season and continues to be a bundle of energy in the final third.
Mourinho appears reluctant to rely too heavily on the 19-year-old but a goalscoring performance against the Gunners will prove he’s ready to take on more responsibility.