There is only one Premiership team that I look at and think: this team is capable of playing better football than United. That team is Arsenal. For that reason, this fixture is always – since Wenger started managing Arsenal - an interesting and exciting match-up. Gone are the days when Arsenal's attitude to defending was mocked in Monty Python sketches.
Make no mistake about it Arsenal are back to playing their best football and look –worryingly enough – like they are about to go on a run this season. A run, I believe, they will continue into next season and result in them winning the Premiership title. I also feel that Wenger’s approach to bringing in, and trusting in, young players needs to be matched at Old Trafford. Put simply, United need more Ronaldos, more Rooneys. United need the best young players coming to Old Trafford - players such as Ribery, Richards, Babel, Huntelaar, Gourcoff, Navas, Dos Santos and Gago to name just a few.
When Wenger singed Cesc Fabregas most other people did not know – and I include myself – what a gem he had found. Interestingly, Cesc has said spoken of his admiration for Paul Scholes, describing his as player ‘you want to emulate’. But if you were to ask any of the 70,000 + of the United faithful about Cesc you will hear nothing but high praise. And in the voices of those supporters - if we are being honest – you will hear more than a hint of jealousy. To see these two players go toe to toe is a football feast that any fan should cherish.
In my opinion, this Sunday will see one of Manchester United’s best ever central midfield players go up against one of Arsenal’s most creative central midfield players ever – and that at the age of 19. But don’t let the attention of just one young player control all your thoughts, as United certainly have two of their own. Both Rooney and Ronaldo have more than enough ability to create a victory that would see Arsenal lose for the first time at the Emirates. But while Sky’s cameras will likely zoom in on this pair I sense the key to a United victory lies in the performance of the midfield pairing. Lets be clear, United must play Carrick and Scholes in the middle and not use O’Shea as they did at OT. Possession of the ball will provide for the forwards but also take the pressure of our defenders. This is also an important game for Giggs. He will be up against a quick full back and will need to be as smart on the ball as he was once fast. He will need to cross when in a good position and must look to cut inside to change the angle of running and open up more opportunities for the strikers. Otherwise, the energy of Park must be considered. In defence, Ferdinand and Vidic must remain central and must not get pulled out of position by Henry or Adebayor and exposed for pace. This may mean a less adventurous role for Neville and Evra. And may mean a start for Heinze, but I doubt it.
The gap may be 15 points in the table but in my view you can’t put a piece of paper between these sides in terms of ability and talent. Both are more than capable of winning, and with Arsenal at home they must be considered favourites. After all, Henry is looking sharp and we know what that can mean. But talking of forwards, United possess a player whose sheer presence will remind Arsenal of losing the Champions League final – and I expect, if the game is tight, Fergie will use that player in an effort to ensure United have the Lars-t laugh.
Probable team: Van der Saar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, Saha.
Subs from: Kuszczak, Brown, Heinze, Silvestre, Smith, Richardson, Fangzhou, Solskjaer, Larsson, O’Shea, Fletcher
Prediction: 2-1 to Arsenal that will see a disappointing end to a good month for United
When Wenger singed Cesc Fabregas most other people did not know – and I include myself – what a gem he had found. Interestingly, Cesc has said spoken of his admiration for Paul Scholes, describing his as player ‘you want to emulate’. But if you were to ask any of the 70,000 + of the United faithful about Cesc you will hear nothing but high praise. And in the voices of those supporters - if we are being honest – you will hear more than a hint of jealousy. To see these two players go toe to toe is a football feast that any fan should cherish.
In my opinion, this Sunday will see one of Manchester United’s best ever central midfield players go up against one of Arsenal’s most creative central midfield players ever – and that at the age of 19. But don’t let the attention of just one young player control all your thoughts, as United certainly have two of their own. Both Rooney and Ronaldo have more than enough ability to create a victory that would see Arsenal lose for the first time at the Emirates. But while Sky’s cameras will likely zoom in on this pair I sense the key to a United victory lies in the performance of the midfield pairing. Lets be clear, United must play Carrick and Scholes in the middle and not use O’Shea as they did at OT. Possession of the ball will provide for the forwards but also take the pressure of our defenders. This is also an important game for Giggs. He will be up against a quick full back and will need to be as smart on the ball as he was once fast. He will need to cross when in a good position and must look to cut inside to change the angle of running and open up more opportunities for the strikers. Otherwise, the energy of Park must be considered. In defence, Ferdinand and Vidic must remain central and must not get pulled out of position by Henry or Adebayor and exposed for pace. This may mean a less adventurous role for Neville and Evra. And may mean a start for Heinze, but I doubt it.
The gap may be 15 points in the table but in my view you can’t put a piece of paper between these sides in terms of ability and talent. Both are more than capable of winning, and with Arsenal at home they must be considered favourites. After all, Henry is looking sharp and we know what that can mean. But talking of forwards, United possess a player whose sheer presence will remind Arsenal of losing the Champions League final – and I expect, if the game is tight, Fergie will use that player in an effort to ensure United have the Lars-t laugh.
Probable team: Van der Saar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, Saha.
Subs from: Kuszczak, Brown, Heinze, Silvestre, Smith, Richardson, Fangzhou, Solskjaer, Larsson, O’Shea, Fletcher
Prediction: 2-1 to Arsenal that will see a disappointing end to a good month for United
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