Three Positives from the Arsenal match

Although the result against Arsenal should have been better, it's fair to say that United produced one of their most impressive performances so far this season. The late equaliser rather ruined the mood surrounding the game, but here we look at three positives that United fans should take from a very strong showing by Mourinho's men. 

1) Finally! A Balanced Midfield 

After spending the first few months of the season discussing "how to get the best out of Paul Pogba", Mourinho may finally have found the answer. Starting with Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba in front of Michael Carrick, the trio seemed to give the team a much needed balance in midfield. Pogba and Herrera were allowed to get forward and join the attack, causing problems for the Arsenal defence, whilst Michael Carrick offered composure and stability in front of an unfamiliar back four. Having Carrick in the side aided United's defensive organisation, with Herrera and Pogba giving United a greater attacking threat. This showed throughout much of the game and played a huge part in the United goal. Pogba and Herrera were both able to push forward into the attacking third, and linked up before providing the assist for Juan Mata. 

2) Mata made for the big occasions

Juan Mata scored his third goal of the Premier League season. The Spaniard who arrived from Chelsea with a massive price tag, has certainly proved that he is the man for the big occasions during his spell at Old Trafford. With winning goals already in games against Man City and Liverpool, along with a vital equaliser in last seasons F.A. Cup final, he drilled in the opener against Arsenal to add to the list. Although this didn't turn out to be the winning goal, it just goes to show how important Mata has become on the big occasions for United. This can only bode well for the future matches against the other top teams in the league where Mata will hope to keep his run of good form going. 

3) Life after Zlatan/Rooney looks bright

United started the game against Arsenal with Zlatan Ibrahimovic missing through suspension and Wayne Rooney on the bench. The "front six" of the team was filled with an energy and pace that has sometimes been lacking for United so far this season. Although they may not of had their best matches in a United shirt, Rashford and Martial are the future of the United attack once Zlatan and Rooney have left the club. With the likes of Pogba, they will look to develop into key figures in what promises to be a strong, quick and energetic United team in the future.

 

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Player Ratings Vs Arsenal (H)

David De Gea - 6 

Didn't have much to do. Left no chance with Giroud's late header.

Antonio Valencia - 9 *Man of the match*

Despite recent surgery on a broken arm, Valencia returned at right-back and produced a fantastic performance. His pace, power and determination to get forward, caused the Arsenal defence problems all match. Denied a penalty in the first half.

Phil Jones - 7

Was composed on the ball and solid in defence until the Arsenal goal. Caught under the ball for the late equaliser.

Marcos Rojo - 7

Along with Jones, played really well in an unfamiliar centre back pairing. Missed a great chance to make it 2-0 which proved costly.

Matteo Darmian - 6

Was secure defensively. Put himself under pressure with early yellow card and was substituted in the second half.

Michael Carrick - 7

Gave the team much needed stability and composure in midfield.

Ander Herrera - 8

Another fantastic performance from Herrera. Provided energy in midfield and constantly pressed the Arsenal players. Great run and pass assisted the United goal

Paul Pogba - 8

Like Herrera, another strong performance from a player who finally seems to be settling into a United shirt. Played a large part in the goal, supported the attack well.

Juan Mata - 8

Seems to come alive on the big occasion. Provided a brilliant finish to Herrera's cross to claim another big goal against a Premier League rival.

Marcus Rashford - 6

Used his pace to press the Arsenal defence well in first half and made a few good individual runs. Faded in the 2nd half and failed to close down Oxlade-Chamberlin before he crossed for the Arsenal goal. Will have better days.

Anthony Martial - 5

Returned to the team on the left side of the front three. Couldn't get into the game and was substituted in the second half.

Subs

Wayne Rooney - 6

Came off the bench for Martial in the second half. Held the ball up well and made some decent runs in behind the defence.

Daley Blind - 6

Came on for Darmian who had been booked early on. Could have been quicker to help Rashford who was isolated against Oxlade-chamberlain for the goal.

Morgan Schneiderlin - N/A

Came on in the final minutes to try and see the game out.
 

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Do you agree with the player ratings above? Who was your man of the match? Let us know in the comments section below!

United Scouting Moussa Dembele

According to recent reports, United appear to be interested in signing Celtic's Moussa Dembele in the January transfer window. (Daily Mail)

The French striker only recently moved to Scotland in the summer, but has settled to life well, scoring 14 goals in the first 18 games of his Celtic career.

Having also been linked to United in his Fulham days, it seems the talented youngster is gaining more and more interest from Europe's elite clubs. The report states that United sent a scout to watch Dembele in action for the French under 21 team earlier in the week, where he scored twice as they beat the England under 21s.

His form in the Champions League has been particularly impressive, scoring 3 goals in 4 appearances. This includes two goals in a 3-3 draw against Manchester City in September. Dembele also stood out in the 5-1 victory over Rangers earlier in the season, scoring a hat-trick in an outstanding display against Celtic's greatest rivals.

Although the reports indicate that a move for the 20 year old could be completed in the January transfer window, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has since rejected this as a possibility.

It remains to be seen if Dembele will become a United player in the near future, but his huge talent and progression since moving to Celtic has been hard to ignore.

Verdict: 
Will stay at Celtic in January. However, definitely a player worth keeping a close eye on.

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What do you think about United's interest in Moussa Dembele? Have your say using the comments section below!

Manchester United vs Arsenal Match Preview

Competition:
English Premier League

Date: 19th November 2016

Time: 12:30

Venue: Old Trafford

Current League Positions: 

United: 6th (18 points).

Arsenal: 4th (24 points). 

Recent Form: 

United: DDLDW (Won their last game 3-0 vs Swansea (A))

Arsenal: WWDWD (Drew their last match 1-1 vs Tottenham (H))

Key Players: 

Top Goalscorers (League): 

United: Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 6 goals 

Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez - 6 goals

Top Assists (League): 

United: Rooney - 4 assists

Arsenal: Iwobi/Sanchez - 3 assists

Unavailable/Doubtful Players: 

United: Fellaini (Calf - Doubtful), Valencia (Broken Arm - Doubtful), 

Bailly (Knee - OUT), Smalling (Toe - OUT), Ibrahimovic (Suspended) 

Arsenal: Bellerin (Ankle - OUT), Perez (Ankle - OUT),
Cazorla (Achilles - OUT), Mertersaker (Knee - OUT), Welbeck (Knee - OUT)

Potential United Starting XI 

(4-3-3/4-5-1)

GK: David De Gea

RB: Matteo Darmian

- With Antonio Valencia still unavailable due to surgery on a broken arm, Matteo Darmian should continue at right-back.

CB: Phil Jones 

- Returned to the starting XI last time out against Swansea and received praise from Mourinho after his performance. Should continue at centre-back with Smalling and Bailly both injured.

CB: Marcos Rojo

- Although one of the favourites to be leaving Old Trafford, Rojo has been given a run of starts due to the injures suffered in defence. Has impressed over the few games he has played and that should continue here.

LB: Luke Shaw 

- Singled out for criticism by Mourinho after ruling himself out through injury against Swansea, Jose will be expecting the young left-back to bounce back with a strong performance this weekend.

CDM: Michael Carrick

- Has barely featured in the Premier League this season, but offered balance and composure to the midfield in the last match. Should start in-front of the defence, allowing others the freedom to create. 

CM: Ander Herrera

- Back from suspension, so should return to the starting lineup. A player that Mourinho seems to trust in big matches after strong performances against Liverpool and Man City already this season.

CM: Paul Pogba

- Another definite starter. Has actually played better than reports would suggest so far this season. United's most creative player appears to benefit from having Carrick & Herrera as defensive security behind him, which will hopefully benefit his performance against Arsenal. 

RW: Juan Mata

- Another favourite to be shown the door by Mourinho after being moved on when Jose was Chelsea manager previously. However, his form this season has been good, with the Spaniard also scoring the winning goal in the recent 1-0 win over Man City in the EFL cup.

LW: Anthony Martial

- United's best player last season has struggled for form so far this campaign. Was dropped from the starting XI due to a lack of confidence/injury, but should start this game, especially with Arsenal's regular right-back, Hector Bellerin, missing through injury. 

CF: Marcus Rashford

- Another player who is struggling for form. Marcus Rashford hasn't managed to hit the heights of last season so far. Will remember this fixture fondly after scoring a brace on his Premier League debut, in the same fixture last season. 

Match Prediction: 

This is a massive game for United. Having dropped so many points in recent games, losing this fixture will see them cut adrift from the leaders at the top of the table. It may be time for some of the squad players so far this season to stand up and be counted. The pace of Martial and Rashford on the counter could be key. 

2-1 United (Mata & Rashford, Ozil)

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How do you think United will line up? Have your say in the comments section below!

Five of the Best: Ander Herrera Goals for Manchester United

Since joining Manchester United as Louis Van Gaal's first signing, Ander Herrera has established himself as a firm fan favourite at Old Trafford. Although the Spanish midfielder has sometimes struggled for game time under United's Dutch manager, he has developed a habit of finding the net whenever he is given the chance to impress. 

Herrera has gathered a reputation for being clinical when it comes to goal scoring, having scored 8 goals from his first 10 attempts on target in the Premier League. 

With that in mind, we've remembered 5 of our favourite Herrera goals and listed them below: 

5. Vs Everton

One of Ander's best performances in a United shirt came in the 3-0 win at Goodison Park. After an early Morgan Schedelin goal, Herrera managed to double United's lead with a well-taken header from a fantastic Marcos Rojo cross.

4. Vs Leicester

A game that many United fans would rather forget, but it's worth remembering that Herrera scored one of his best goals in his first season in the defeat at the Walkers Stadium. After a miscued shot came his way, the Spaniard adjusted his body to flick the ball past the stranded Kasper Schmeichel with a very clever finish.

3. Vs Club Brugge

Another top finish from the 25 year old, from a defence splitting through-ball by Bastian Schweinsteiger. After being set clear, Herrera showed his class in front of goal with a calm finish past the Brugge goalkeeper.

2. Vs Arsenal

In United's final home game of the 2014/2015 season, Arsenal were the vistiors. A first half volley after a fine cross from the left gave the Arsenal goalkeeper no chance and United the advantage in the match.

1. Vs Yeovil

Without doubt Ander's best goal in a United shirt came in the F.A. Cup against Yeovil. After a Darren Fletcher pass was deflected into his path, Herrera managed to swivel and volley in the same movement to send an outstanding 25 yard strike into the top corner of the Yeovil goal.

What's your favourite Ander Herrera goal/moment? Let us know using the comments section found below!