FA Cup: Arsenal v Manchester United

So, Sunday’s clash at the Emirates is an awful ride, and that’s before you even get to the two managers.

Mikel Arteta has done well at Arsenal, returning the Gunners to title challengers in his five years in charge. However, for all their improvement, the bottom line is that they have only won one trophy – the 2020 FA Cup.

Given that it 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 the cup 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 more significance this season.

United have extended their lead to 23 points in the league and are 13 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

A tilt at Champions League qualification is arguably a non-starter so the real targets between now and May are a mid-table finish and success in the knockout competitions.

Just like the FA Cup, the Europa League offers opportunities.

United are the defending champions following their final win over Manchester City last season and Amorim says he will take a strong side to north London.

He said: “I see what everyone else sees. It is a really old competition with a lot of history.

“I remember watching a few finals, including when we won the treble in 1999.

“We won some cups and we want to continue. At this stage we already have really strong matches that 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 win. I will pick 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 that 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 Ona.

Marcus Rashford is back from illness but can only hope for a place on the bench at best.