With the summer transfer window now closed, attention swiftly shifts to this weekend’s Premier League fixtures. Arsenal is set to host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in what promises to be an exciting match.
Arsenal had a relatively quiet deadline day, primarily focused on player departures. Nuno Tavares secured a loan move to Nottingham Forest, while Albert Sambi Lokonga went on loan to Luton Town. Most of the Gunners’ transfer activity took place earlier in the window, including the signings of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, and goalkeeper David Raya on loan from Brentford.
Fans are eager to return to the Emirates Stadium after a 2-2 draw with Fulham in their last match. However, Arsenal hasn’t been in peak form in their opening three games, and facing Manchester United will be a challenging test for Mikel Arteta’s team. Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United, like Arsenal, has had a mixed start to the 2023/24 season. After a fortunate 1-0 win over Wolves, United struggled against Tottenham but managed a late victory against Nottingham Forest last week.
Deadline day saw United significantly bolster their squad. Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir joined for £4.3 million from Fenerbahce, while Jonny Evans returned to the club with a one-year contract. The two marquee signings arrived later in the day, with Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham (left-back) and Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina.
Reguilon is eligible to make his debut against Arsenal as he completed his signing before the midday deadline. Ten Hag confirmed that Reguilon had already trained with the team. Additionally, £72 million signing Rasmus Hojlund is in contention to make his debut, having recovered from a back injury.
Possible Manchester United lineup against Arsenal on Sunday:
- Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
- Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Sergio Reguilon
- Midfielders: Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes
- Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Antony, Rasmus Hojlund