English Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Arsenal lock horns at Old Trafford on Monday night in the highlight of Matchday 7. Both teams are in desperate need of 3 points as the race for a top 4 finish intensifies.
Below, we look at the what is at stake as the former Premier League powerhouses meet for the first time this season.
Unai Emery’s first away win at a big 6 side
Since replacing Arsene Wenger as the Arsenal head coach last season, Unai Emery is yet to win away to a big six side. Last season, he drew at Old Trafford and away to Tottenham Hotspurs and lost all away games to Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City.
The Spaniard needs a win away to a top-six side and Monday at Old Trafford presents him with his best chance as the home team has only won twice this season and are ridden with injuries to most of their first-team players.
Redemption for Ole Gunnar
After a bright start to his Manchester United managerial career season, Ole Gunnar’s fine run was ended by a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last season and things went downhill since.
Results have not been going his way and so have been the performances and there are rumors that should the same continue, the manager could get the sack. A win on Monday would move Manchester United level on points with Arsenal and would hugely boost a manager and team lacking in morale.
Mason Greenwood could make his mark
Three years ago, with Manchester United in the midst of an injury crisis under Luis Van Gaal, Arsenal visited Old Trafford in the middle of a title race with Leicester City.
The home fielded a lot of youngsters including a certain Marcus Rashford who went on to score a brace as Manchester United won 3-2.
Interestingly, with Marcus Rashford and Antony Martial out injured, teenage striker Mason Greenwood is expected to lead Ole Gunnar’s attack. Could he have the same impact as Rashford did?