Therefore, there is an awful lot riding on Sunday’s clash at the Emirates, and that’s even before you get to the two managers.
Mikel Arteta has done a fine job at Arsenal, returning the Gunners to title challengers in his five years in charge. However, for all their improvement, the bottom line is they’ve only won one trophy – the 2020 FA Cup.
Given that was in the middle of the Covid pandemic and the game was played behind closed doors, Arteta has yet to enjoy the sensation of parading a cup (assuming we are discounting the Community Shield) in front of the club’s supporters.
Let’s make it our own 👊 pic.twitter.com/lyNGCoDTBl
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 10, 2025
Likewise for Ruben Amorim, the cup has an added sense of importance this season.
United have limped to 23 points in the league and they sit 13 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
A tilt at Champions League qualification is arguably a non-starter so the realistic aims between now and May are a mid-table finish and success in knockout competitions.
The Europa League provides an opportunity, as does the FA Cup.
United are the defending champions following their final triumph over Manchester City last season and Amorim says he will take a strong side to North London.
He said: “I see what everybody sees. It is a really old competition with a lot of history.
“I remember seeing some of the finals, including when we won the Treble in 1999.
“We won some cups and we want to continue. At this stage we already have a really strong match we want to win and we want to improve the image and performance.
“We are in a difficult moment. We are improving, we will put out the best team to try to win. I will choose 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 Raheem Sterling is fit again while Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard both started in the midweek EFL Cup defeat to Newcastle after overcoming illness.
Amorim confirmed on Friday that back-up goalkeeper Altay Baydinir will start in place of Andre Onana.
Marcus Rashford is back after illness but the best the wantaway forward can expect is a place on the bench.
Expected line-ups
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Trossard, Jesus, Martinelli
Manchester United: Bayindir; Yoro, Maguire, De Ligt; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Amad, Fernandes; Hojlund
