Manchester United predicted XI vs Arsenal: Rúben Amorim starts “fantastic” star, two changes made

Rúben Amorim is expected to make two changes to his Manchester United starting line-up as they travel to face Arsenal in the FA Cup third round.

Manchester United begin their quest to retain the FA Cup with a trip to North London to face Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

In May 2024, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo found the net to secure the trophy for Erik ten Hag’s side at Wembley.

Fast forward eight months, and United are now led by 39-year-old Rúben Amorim, who took over following Ten Hag’s dismissal in October. While results under Amorim have been inconsistent, the team has shown resilience against strong opposition.

The last meeting between these teams came in December at the Emirates, where Arsenal scored twice from corners to take the win. Despite that setback, United have earned praise for their performances away from home against top sides.

Amorim predicted to make two United changes

When United line-up against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, there will be a much more positive mood compared to the problems they were facing when the team visited in December.

Although the recent results have been poor, with United not winning in five games, the performance against Liverpool last weekend has instilled a sense of belief into the club.

Regarding the line-up, Amorim confirmed on Friday afternoon that he will be starting Altay Bayındır over André Onana in goal, which has worried some fans after the Turkish international’s performance against Tottenham last month.

In defence, United will need to be wary of Arsenal’s set-piece strength, which may lead Amorim to start his three tallest centre-backs, dropping Lisandro Martínez.

Matthijs de Ligt could start as right centre-back, with Harry Maguire in the middle and Leny Yoro coming in to replace Martínez on the left of the three-man defensive line.

In midfield, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo put on an “outstanding” performance at Anfield and will likely keep their places in the middle of the park.

Either side of them, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot will likely keep their places, with the latter praised for his “fantastic” game against Liverpool and tipped to be a significant threat at the Emirates.

In attack, United are expected to remain unchanged. Despite a minor injury to Amad, Amorim is confident that the 22-year-old will recover, while Bruno Fernandes will continue his role as club captain.

Rasmus Højlund is still preferred to Joshua Zirkzee despite not scoring for the last six games, although he was ineffective against Arsenal’s defence in December.

United predicted XI vs Arsenal

Bayındır, De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro, Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot, Amad, Fernandes, Højlund.

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