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Counter-attack, defence and more: Here are 3 key battles likely to decide the outcome of Man Utd vs Arsenal

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Manchester United vs Arsenal – 3 key battles that can decide the outcome

Manchester United host Arsenal in the big game of the week on Monday night at Old Trafford. The two sides have had a very wobbly start to their campaign and already seem to be out of the running for the big prize.

Instead, they’ll be fighting for a Champions League spot – by the looks of it – and this game will have a massive effect on their top-four hopes for the rest of the season.

The two managers have taken up very difficult jobs that demand a lot and will be under pressure if they come out of the game with nothing. That should make it a very tense encounter.

Let’s have a look at the 3-key battles that are likely to decide the outcome:

  • Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the Manchester United defence
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The Gabonese international has been in sparkling form and he has almost single-handedly been carrying the side this season.

The United defence have to be very careful as Aubameyang is the sort of forward who doesn’t need to have a good game to get on the scoresheet and sometimes that’s enough to make all the difference.

  • Manchester United’s counter-attack

Manchester United have looked at their best against the better sides like Chelsea and Leicester, where they’ve conceded possession to the opposition and looked to hit the sides on the break.

The Gunners need to be on the lookout for a sucker-punch with the pace of Daniel James and Paul Pogba being very capable of wrecking havoc in transition. Arsenal cannot afford to concede the first goal.

  • Arsenal’s build-up

Unai Emery has been adamant that he wants his side to play out from the back and this might be a very risky strategy at Old Trafford as United have the players with the ability to close you down quickly.

This might force them long and without Alexandre Lacazette, there isn’t anyone in the side who can hold the ball up, which is why it’ll be interesting to see how Arsenal build their attacks as it won’t be easy against this United side, who despite not having the best run still concede very few chances.