Get ready for a clash of titans as Manchester United takes on league leaders Arsenal this Sunday, riding high on the momentum of their recent derby victory. But here's where it gets controversial: Can Michael Carrick's side truly challenge the Gunners' unbeaten home record?
Carrick couldn’t have asked for a better start to his tenure than a dominant win over their crosstown rivals, but now he faces a sterner test against Mikel Arteta’s high-flying Arsenal. A win here could propel United into the top four, depending on Liverpool’s result against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. However, Arsenal remains undefeated at home this season, making this a true litmus test for Carrick’s men.
And this is the part most people miss: While Arsenal’s form is undeniable, United arrives with just one loss in their last 10 Premier League matches, buoyed by their thrilling win over City. The Emirates Stadium has historically been a challenging ground for United, but their FA Cup victory there just over a year ago—sealed by Altay Bayindir’s heroic penalty save—proves they’re capable of rising to the occasion.
How to Watch:
Catch the action live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League at 16:30 GMT on Sunday. Alternatively, tune into MUTV, the United App, or ManUtd.com for exclusive pre-match build-up, live commentary, and post-match analysis starting at 15:30 GMT.
Team News:
Noussair Mazraoui has returned to Manchester after Morocco’s narrow loss in the Africa Cup of Nations final, but his availability remains uncertain. Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt are still sidelined with injuries, though Carrick may provide updates in his Friday press conference. Shea Lacey, however, is back after serving a one-match suspension. For Arsenal, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, and Max Dowman are injured, though Arteta could shed more light in his pre-match briefing.
Form Guide & Past Meetings:
Arsenal has lost just two games across all competitions this season, neither at home, making them a formidable opponent. United, however, has been in solid form, with only one defeat in their last 10 league matches. Their last meeting at the Emirates ended in a dramatic FA Cup win for United, with Bayindir’s penalty save becoming an iconic moment.
Did You Know?
Arteta was one of three managers Carrick faced during his caretaker spell in 2021. United emerged victorious in that Premier League clash at Old Trafford, thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo brace and a Bruno Fernandes goal. Carrick’s unbeaten record as caretaker—including wins over Villarreal and a draw with Chelsea—was extended with last weekend’s derby win, and he’ll be eager to maintain it in North London.
Rivals Watch:
Keep an eye on these fixtures this weekend:
- Saturday 24 January: West Ham v Sunderland (12:30 GMT), Burnley v Tottenham, Fulham v Brighton, Man City v Wolves, Bournemouth v Liverpool (17:30 GMT).
- Sunday 25 January: Brentford v Nottingham Forest (14:00 GMT), Crystal Palace v Chelsea (14:00 GMT), Newcastle v Aston Villa (14:00 GMT), Arsenal v UNITED (16:30 GMT).
- Monday 26 January: Everton v Leeds (20:00 GMT).
Controversial Question: With Arsenal’s home record and United’s recent form, is this the game that defines Carrick’s managerial potential? Or will Arteta’s side prove too strong? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
