Manchester United will go on the attack in tomorrow’s crunch fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The evening kick-off sees two of England’s fiercest rivals go head-to-head once more, in what has been a historic fixture in the Premier League era.
United boss Jose Mourinho will be desperate to put one over old adversary Arsene Wenger, having suffered his first loss against the Frenchman in the corresponding clash back in May.
Having been criticised for a supposed lack of adventure away from home in the big games, the Portuguese manager was quizzed on his side’s approach in front of today’s media.
“When we have the ball, we are going to attack with 11 players because even the goalkeeper needs to know what to do when we have the ball.
“When Arsenal has the ball, we are going to defend with 11 players,” stated Mourinho.
Deploying a back three in the previous two away fixtures against FC Basel and Watford, United are expected to line-up with the same formation once more, matching up with tomorrow’s opposition in the process.
Two players who won’t be lining up in that back three, however, are Eric Bailly and Phil Jones, with both centre-halves remaining sidelined, having not featured since before the November international break.
It is yet to be known whether midfielder Nemanja Matic will join the injured duo in missing the match, after being withdrawn early in the second half at Vicarage Road on Tuesday night.
Mourinho, however, refused to rule out the Serbian’s absence, confirming the former Chelsea man will travel to London with the squad.
With Manchester City expecting to defeat West Ham United on Sunday afternoon ahead of next weekend’s derby, with an eight point gap already to boast, United’s clash with Arsenal takes on extra importance in order to remain in the title race.
The experienced manager is taking proceedings one step at a time, however, as a marathon season continues to unfold.
“I play a game at a time and I think it’s the way to do it.
“Yesterday I was watching an interesting movie: Bjorn Borg v John McEnroe. Bjorn’s coach was telling him that all the time: “One point at a time, think just about one point’.
“I tell my players to think just about the game. I always say this.”
Looking to follow-up the enthralling victory over Watford, one win in five at the Emirates is a record that United will look to alter come 5:30pm on Saturday.
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