Ahead of what we anticipate to be a blockbuster fixture between Arsenal and Manchester United this weekend, we caught up with former Manchester United defender Paul Parker. Parker shared his views on the current form of this United side, the key battles on the field and Unitedās current left-back issue.
In this article:
- Arsenal are favourites against United
- The balance of the Manchester United midfield isnāt right
- Pellistri should be given a chance against Arsenal ahead of Antony
- United have to stop the ball getting to Sakaās feet
- Arsenal are fortunate that Nketiah loves Arsenal
Arsenal are favourites against United
Arsenal vs Manchester United stands out as one of the Premier League’s most prestigious and eagerly awaited matches. It remains the league’s marquee fixture regardless of the form exhibited by the teams at the given moment. This Sunday marks another encounter between the two sides, this time at The Emirates Stadium. Arsenal enters the game with a marginally better league record, boasting two victories and a draw. In contrast, Manchester United has stumbled with two wins but also suffered a defeat against Tottenham. Parker asserts that Arsenal holds the status of favourites for this clash, expressing concern over the lacklustre showings of the Red Devils thus far.
āArsenal have the upper hand because theyāve got form on their side.ā
āTheyāve got good performances behind them whilst Manchester United havenāt had a good performance this season.ā
āThe first ten minutes against Forest werenāt good and they had some good fortune getting back into the game.ā
āArsenal have shown they can dig deep and Manchester United arenāt hitting the heights that a Manchester United team should be hitting.ā
āArsenal are the favourites and United will have to go to a level they havenāt shown yet if they are to get something from this game.ā
āDalot could be a weak point for United as a right footer playing left back. Weāve seen he can do a job but any work defensively on that side he canāt do it.ā
The balance of the Manchester United midfield isnāt right
A significant topic of discussion concerning Manchester United revolves around the acquisition of Mason Mount and his role in Erik ten Hag’s team. Before his injury, which sidelined him for the upcoming weekend match, Mount, alongside Bruno Fernandes, had been utilised as high-pressing midfielders. This approach led to an imbalance in the midfield, leaving Casemiro, who excelled last season, vulnerable and unsupported. Parker predicts that the outcome of the midfield battle will ultimately determine the game’s result. He also anticipates Thomas Partey’s return to his natural midfield position after a period of playing as a right-back.
āLast season Casemiro would have made a difference in the fixture against Arsenal.ā
‘This season Casemiro is still a player United need but they have to have the right players around him.ā
āUnited havenāt got that balance yet. Mount hasnāt worked with Casemiro.ā
āUnited need Fernandes to be a captain in the big games so the midfield is a big worry because thereās no consistency.ā
āEriksen, Casemiro and Fernandes are the best theyāve got. When you look at Arsenal i donāt think they will play Partey at right back. Arteta will look for a solid right back that will stay at right back.ā
Pellistri should be given a chance against Arsenal ahead of Antony
Another issue that has been highlighted about ten Hagās squad are his options out wide. The likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony have flattered to deceive and Parker says he would like to see ten Hag take a risk by starting young Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri against Arsenal instead of Antony.
āThereās nothing in the United team to suggest ten Hag should change the team from the Forest game.ā
āI think the young boy Pellsitri should be given a chance over Antony.ā
āI like him and he can go on the outside whereas antony has no end product.ā
āI wouldnāt play Martial but then youāre stuck with Rashford up front. Itās a struggle.ā
āWhen I look at the recruitment of teams outside of the top five or six and theyāve gone out and improved their teams. They can match United on their day.ā
āNo one fears Manchester United on the pitch. The players arenāt feared.ā
United have to stop the ball getting to Sakaās feet
Adding to Manchester United’s sluggish beginning to the season, the previous week brought confirmation from the club about Shaw’s extended injury absence. As a result, Diogo Dalot was tasked with deputising at left-back in the match against Nottingham Forest last weekend. However, the prospect of a right-footed Dalot pitted against Buakyo Saka raises concerns for Parker regarding their upcoming confrontation this weekend.
āDalot vs Saka is a mismatch but even Shaw vs Saka would be a mismatch because Shaw couldnāt deal with him at The Emirates. Shaw didnāt get near him in that game and virtually let Saka dribble at him at numerous points in the second half.ā
āUnited will have to stop the ball getting to Sakaās feet by having someone that can protect Dalot.ā
āSancho would be better at protecting Dalot than Rashford or Garnacho.ā
āThe left side for United lacks consistency and the last thing United need is to be trapped in their own half defending the six yard box.ā
āMartinelli vs Wan Bisakka is a contest that Wan Bissaka would win. But Arsenal have options with Trossard who can use either foot and looks to link play rather than run with the ball.ā
āWide areas are Arsenal’s strength.ā
Arsenal are fortunate that Nketiah loves Arsenal
Parker also highlights Arsenalās Hale End graduate Eddie Nketiah as a threat that could cause United issues if they arenāt attentive. Nketiah already has three goals in two league games this season and will be desperate to score against United again having done so in the clash last season.
āNketiah is also dangerous because he can nick a goal and he does it at times when Arsenal are struggling. Heās a modern day poacher and there aren’t many of them around.ā
āArsenal are fortunate that he loves the club and so he isnāt pushing to leave.ā
āI wish there was something positive I could say about Manchester United and the Arsenal fixture but there isnāt.ā
