So Sunday’s match at the Emirates will have a huge amount of attention, and that’s even before we get to the two managers.
Mikel Arteta has done a fantastic job at Arsenal, returning the Gunners to title challengers during his five-year spell. But despite all this growth, the bottom line is they have only won one trophy, the 2020 FA Cup.
Arteta has yet to experience the feeling of parading the Cup in front of the club’s supporters (discounting the Community Shield), given that matches were played behind closed doors in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. ).
Let’s make it ourselves 👊 pic.twitter.com/lyNGCoDTBl
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 10, 2025
Similarly, for Ruben Amorim, the cup has become even more important this season.
United are slumped with 23 points in the league, 13 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
With Champions League qualification on the line, he is unlikely to be a starter, so a realistic goal between now and May is to finish mid-table and succeed in the knockout stages.
The Europa League offers opportunities, as does the FA Cup.
United are the defending champions following last season’s final victory over Manchester City and Amorim said they will take a strong side to North London.
Ready to roll.
Team news🔜 pic.twitter.com/5AkSx88wzz
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 12, 2025
he said: “I see what everyone else sees. It’s a really old and historic tournament.
“I remember watching some of the finals, like when we won the Triple Crown in 1999.
“We have won some cup competitions and we want to continue. At this stage we already have very strong games that we want to win and we want to improve our image and performance.
“We are in a difficult period. We are improving and we want to put out our best team and try to win. We will pick the best team to win. We want to win the cup. .”
team news
Arsenal are still without Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White are long-term absentees.
The good news for Arteta is the fact that Raheem Sterling is fit again and started in midweek’s EFL Cup defeat against Newcastle, with Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard both overcoming illness.
Amorim confirmed on Friday that reserve goalkeeper Altai Baidinir will start in place of Andre Onana.
Pass through ⚪️➡️#MUFC || #FACup pic.twitter.com/V2efS6Hdw3
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 12, 2025
Marcus Rashford has returned from illness, but the missing forward will not be in the match-day squad.
Amad Diallo, who signed a contract extension this week, was absent due to an injury problem that Amorim described as a “minor problem”.
“I like how Garnacho is playing. He’s playing well,” the Portuguese added to BBC Sport. “After watching him train, I felt it was a good opportunity to see Garnacho start competing.”
Confirmed lineup
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Luis Skelly, Jorginho, Merino, Odegaard, Jesus, Martinelli, Havertz
Subs: Neto, Tierney, Partey, Kiwiall, Zinchenko, Trossard, Sterling, Butler-Oedesi, Rice.
Manchester United: Binder, De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez, Mazrui, Maynou, Ugarte, Dalot, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hoylund
Subs: Onana, Zirkzee, Malasia, Eriksen, Yoro, Amad, Casemiro, Anthony, Collier
