Arsenal vs Manchester United FA Cup Preview

• Draw after 90 minutes
• Arsenal to progress

For the second time in just over a month, Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, but this time the stakes are in the FA Cup.

With both teams looking to kickstart their campaigns in the prestigious competition, this fixture promises high-intensity action between two storied rivals.

Arsenal: Aiming for Redemption

After suffering a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, Arsenal return to FA Cup action looking for a lift. Mikel Arteta’s side has already defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the Premier League this season, but their current form suggests a challenging encounter lies ahead.

Injuries to key players, including Bukayo Saka and Ben White, have hampered Arsenal’s attacking options. Raheem Sterling could be reintroduced after a recent spell on the bench, while summer signings Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori may also feature.

Arteta is expected to rotate his squad, balancing the need to remain competitive with an eye on upcoming fixtures, including the North London Derby.

Key Player to Watch

• Martin Ødegaard: The Arsenal captain will be pivotal in controlling the game’s tempo and unlocking United’s defence.

Manchester United: Searching for Consistency

Under Ruben Amorim, Manchester United showed signs of improvement in a 2-2 draw at Liverpool last weekend, which could provide a much-needed confidence boost.

The Red Devils enter this clash as defending FA Cup champions, but injuries and player unrest, including Marcus Rashford’s uncertain future, have created challenges for Amorim.

Alejandro Garnacho’s impactful display off the bench against Liverpool could earn him a start, while Joshua Zirkzee may lead the line despite his struggles in recent outings. United will rely on Bruno Fernandes to provide creativity and leadership in midfield.

Key Player to Watch

• Bruno Fernandes: United’s creative fulcrum will need to be at his best to breach Arsenal’s defence and drive his team forward.

Head-to-Head Record

• Recent Meetings: Arsenal have won the last four matches against Manchester United, including a 2-0 Premier League win in December 2024.
• Last FA Cup Encounter: United defeated Arsenal 3-1 in January 2019.
• Historical Record: Arsenal and Manchester United are two of the most successful clubs in FA Cup history, with Arsenal holding a record 14 titles and United claiming 12.

Tactical Insights and Key Battles

Arsenal’s Control vs United’s Counterattack

Arsenal’s ability to dominate possession, driven by Ødegaard and Declan Rice, will clash with United’s counter-attacking threat led by Garnacho and Amad.

Set Piece Opportunities

Arsenal’s recent success from set plays could prove decisive against United, especially with Saliba and Rice posing aerial threats. United will need to be vigilant in defending corners and free-kicks.

Midfield Battle

The midfield duel between Rice and Ugarte will be crucial. Both players are known for their defensive capabilities, but their contributions to transitioning play could tilt the balance in their team’s favour.

Prediction

Arsenal’s rotation and injury concerns may make this a closer contest than their last meeting with Manchester United.

While the Gunners’ home advantage and recent dominance over United favour them, Amorim’s side showed resilience against Liverpool and could force the game into extra time or penalties.

Predicted Score: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United (Arsenal win on penalties)

Final Thoughts

This FA Cup tie promises a gripping contest between two of England’s biggest clubs. With Arsenal looking to bounce back from recent setbacks and United seeking to build on their Liverpool draw, the stage is set for a classic encounter at the Emirates.