Connect with us

Manchester United

Mark Lawrenson states his prediction for Man Utd vs Arsenal

BBC football expert Mark Lawrenson has said that Manchester United will have something to prove when they entertain Arsenal in Thursday’s Premier League clash.

The Red Devils have been in a poor run of form in the league, picking up just five points from the last eight games.

They are currently languishing in the eighth spot, five points adrift of the top four.

They are scheduled to host the Gunners at Old Trafford in two days, and it could be an ideal game to return to winning ways with the visitors’ poor record at the stadium.

The Gunners have won just the solitary league game at Old Trafford since 2006, and Lawrenson has fancied United to secure a 2-1 win following the announcement of a new manager.

He told BBC Sport: “They will build on that improvement and, whether Ralf Rangnick is in the Old Trafford dugout or watching from the stands, I am sure we will see more of the same against Arsenal.”

“The Gunners got back to winning ways against Newcastle and created loads of chances in that game, but United playing at home in front of their new manager will have something to prove.”

United showed good defensive resolve against Chelsea last weekend. A poor challenge from Aaron Wan-Bissaka handed a penalty to the Blues, but he made amends with a late interception to deny Timo Werner a clear-cut goal.

The 1-1 draw will have boosted their confidence ahead of the Gunners clash.

Rangnick was officially appointed as the interim manager yesterday, but he may not be in the dugout as his work permit is being processed.

The German should still be on the stands watching the game and should provide valuable input to Michael Carrick, who has done an impressive job as the caretaker manager since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal.

The club recently secured a 2-0 win over Villarreal on the road to seal their berth in the Champions League last 16 before their hard-fought draw against league leaders Chelsea away from home.

Carrick’s 4-3-3 formation worked with good effect on Sunday despite the minimal possession.

He could go with the same set-up on Thursday with the plan of outwitting the Gunners backline on the counter-attack.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Read: Man Utd fans praise Fred’s midfield performance in Chelsea draw.

Latest News

Topics