PREVIEW: Struggling Man United Host Resurgent Arsenal In EPL Showdown

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Arsenal are 16 points behind Liverpool as they travel to Manchester United on Sunday in a Premier League game. &nbsp,

But with their title chances realistically over, Mikel Arteta’s side will use the trip to Old Trafford as a chance to prove they have rediscovered their attacking verve.

After scoring just two goals in their previous four games in all competitions, the Gunners ‘ attack finally exploded in the Netherlands this week as they virtually ensured progress to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Arsenal, who still lack a recognised striker in the absence of injured pair Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus and are missing wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, hit seven goals for the first time in 13 years.

Adding to their goal glut against misfiring United would be a welcome sign that they can muster the firepower required to apply a little pressure to Liverpool while challenging for European glory.

Stuck down in 14th place in the Premier League and beset by defensive issues, the troubled Red Devils could be ideal opponents for Arteta’s men to fine-tune their makeshift attack.

What the Managers Said

‘ A Difficult Match ‘

Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta © Adrian DENNIS / AFP/File

Ahead of the game, Arsenal manager&nbsp, Mikel Arteta said the 7-1 hammering of PSV Eindhoven had given the club a huge lift but urged caution ahead of the trip to misfiring Manchester United.

Second-placed Arsenal, 16 points behind leaders Liverpool, are realistically out of the Premier League title race after recent stumbles.

But they travel to Old Trafford seeking their fifth straight league win over their old rivals in Arteta’s 200th Premier League game in charge.

Arsenal, struggling with injuries in forward areas and goalless in their past two league matches, hit form in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Tuesday.

The Spaniard was asked what he expected from Ruben Amorim’s team, who have produced some surprising results this season including a win against Manchester City, a draw against Liverpool and an FA Cup win against Arsenal on penalties.

“That’s the history of that football club”, he said. “The players that they have and the coach that they have.

” Watching the game last night against Real Sociedad (a 1-1 draw in the Europa League) you come very clear that they are very capable to put a really strong performance and beat you on the day. So we know that, we know the difficulty of the match and that’s how we prepared. “

‘ We Just Need to Survive – Amorim

Manchester United’s Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim applauds fans on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 16, 2025. Tottenham won the game 1-0. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

For Amorim, he does not believe he will get as much time at Manchester United to turn things around as Arteta was given to revive Arsenal’s fortunes.

The 40-year-old Amorim has struggled since succeeding Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford in November. The Red Devils languish 14th in the Premier League and are out of both domestic cup competitions.

The Europa League is the only remaining route to silverware and, realistically, continental qualification for a threadbare side preparing to take on an Arsenal team second in the Premier League and buoyed by a 7-1 Champions League last-16 win at PSV Eindhoven.

Arsenal’s Dutch defender #12 Jurrien Timber (C) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between PSV Eindhoven (NED) and Arsenal FC (ENG) at the the PSV Stadion, in Eindhoven, on March 4, 2025. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP)

Arteta has made the Gunners a force again, with some eye-catching decisions as he reshaped the squad after being appointed in late 2019, including getting rid of senior players.

Arsenal, on course for a third straight second-place finish in the Premier League, are away to United on Sunday.

Asked if he saw similarities between Arteta’s position and his job at United, Amorim said:” I don’t feel that. I will not have the time that Arteta had. I feel that. It’s a different club.

“So, we just need to survive with the players on Sunday and during these games.

” I think it’s a different club. I think in that aspect, the way Arteta dealt with that is an inspiration for everybody. I will not have the time like Arteta had. “