Manchester United face league leaders Arsenal today, fresh from their derby-day victory against Manchester City last Sunday. United’s interim coach, Michael Carrick, could not have hoped for a better way to kick off his tenure than an assured win over their crosstown rivals, but he now comes up against another stern test in the Gunners.
A result here could see United move into the top four, depending on how Liverpool fared against Bournemouth yesterday, but in coach Mikel Arteta’s side, United face opposition who are yet to lose at home this season.
The Reds, however, arrive with just one loss in their last 10 Premier League outings and are likely to be buoyed by the rousing win against City in Carrick’s first game of this spell.
According to the United website, Noussair Mazraoui has now returned to Manchester having been narrowly beaten with Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final by Senegal. Whether the defender is ready for action this weekend after a hectic month remains to be seen.
Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt were the only two players to miss last weekend’s derby through injury. Academy graduate Shea Lacey will be available for this one, having served his one-match suspension after picking up two yellow cards in the FA Cup against Brighton & Hove Albion.
For Arsenal, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori and youngster Max Dowman have been sidelined with injury. The Gunners have lost just two games in all competitions so far this season.
Jurrien Timber has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent players in the 2025/2026 season, helping the Gunners to an impressive campaign so far. The Dutch defender, who grew up an Arsenal fan, has featured in 20 of their 21 Premier League games and five of six Champions League matches.
However, the fullback insisted that Arsenal’s strong defensive record is a result of collective effort.
“I think it’s cooperation, not just the backline; I think it’s everyone. It’s something that the club and the manager have been working on for a long time.
“I’m lucky to be a part of this group. The players I play with, lots of the defenders, I can learn from every day, and I think we make each other better.”
