Rasmus Højlund reveals what Manchester United have worked on in training vs Arsenal

Rasmus Højlund has explained what Manchester United are being wary of as they travel to face Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United begin their FA Cup title defence with a Sunday afternoon clash against Arsenal in North London.

The Reds claimed the trophy in May 2024, with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scoring decisive goals under Erik ten Hag’s management at Wembley.

Fast forward eight months, and the squad is now under the stewardship of 39-year-old Rúben Amorim, who took charge in October following Ten Hag’s departure. While results under Amorim have been inconsistent, the team has shown glimpses of progress.

The two sides last met at the Emirates in December, where Arsenal capitalised on two corner situations to claim victory. Despite the result, United’s performances against top sides away from home have earned them widespread praise.

Højlund is prepared for Arsenal’s set-pieces

Speaking to club media ahead of the weekend’s tie, Højlund detailed that United are aware that they need to become much sharper on set -pieces after conceding two against Arsenal in December.

“It’s a tough first opponent and away as well,” he told club media. “But we’re going to go for it and, and try to go for it again this year.

“It’s a good game and the Emirates is a nice stadium. The pitch is very good. I had my debut there as well. So it’s a special place for me and a good opponent. I’m looking forward to it.

“It can be [a good thing that we played there not long ago], if we do it right. I think we need to be sharp at set-pieces, they have been been very good on that, and they scored twice from that last time around.

“So yeah, very focused there. Just trying to keep improving and do what the manager’s saying and I think we will be good.”

A key point in Amorim’s training sessions

There is little doubt that United have been working on defending set-pieces during their training sessions this week, with Amorim also referencing them when asked what the side were working on in the build up to their draw against liverpool.

“The small things, the transitions, I think you can see the lack of possession in the last game in the first half, the control of the game [against Newcastle],” he said. Everybody was so anxious, so nervous. The crosses are really important, set-pieces. It’s hard to say one thing.

“We work on a lot of things, but I think the possession, the way we control the tempo of the game, the understanding of where you should play was the main focus this week.”

Against Liverpool, United had to defend six corners and did so with relative ease, although Arsenal are known for their power from set-pieces and will be a much tougher test.

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After Amorim has been able to take more Manchester United training sessions so far this year compared to his entire 2024, the side will hopefully head to the Emirates in a much stronger position than last month.

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