The Premier League returns after the international break and Jose Mourinho will face Arsene Wenger for the first time since taking the manager’s job at Old Trafford as Manchester United welcome Arsenal.

The Red Devils are currently six points behind the Gunners and a win over the North-London side will be a major positive for United as they try to break into the top four after an inconsistent start to the season.

The clash will see Mourinho come up against Wenger once again as they renew their rivalry, which has produced some fiery moments over the past few seasons.

The Arsenal manager has beaten the Portuguese boss just once in his career, a Community Shield win in 2015, with Mourinho being on the winning side eight times, with the two managers drawing on six occasions.

Red Devils searching for consistency

United come into the match following a 3-1 victory over Swansea City last time out as Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimović gave them the win against the disappointing Welsh side.

But that win followed some poor results for United after they were beaten 2-1 by Fenerbahce in the Europa League, and they have also slumped to a 0-0 draw with Burnley and were humiliated 4-0 by Chelsea last month.

A win against Arsenal, who have very much impressed at times during this season, would give sixth-placed United a boost to chase down the top four.  

Gunners looking to keep chase with top of table

Arsenal currently lay fourth in the Premier League, but they are just two points off Liverpool, who sit top of the table.

Last time out the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw against rivals Tottenham Hotspur as Harry Kane returned to goal scoring action to level from the penalty spot, after Kevin Wimmer’s own goal gave Wenger's side the lead.

Arsenal haven’t lost a match since their opening day 4-3 defeat to Jürgen Klopp’s Reds, and United will have to be at their best if they wish to take all three points from Saturday’s match.

Head to head

The sides last met in February as the red devils significantly damaged Arsenal’s title charge. Two goals from Marcus Rashford and goal from Ander Herrera sealed the win for United as the Gunners came under intense criticism.

Arsenal’s last win at Old Trafford came in March 2015 in the FA Cup as former United striker Danny Welbeck and Nacho Monreal saw to a 2-1 win for the Gunners.

Team News

United will be without injured central defensive pair Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling. Wayne Rooney could make a return after missing England’s 2-2 draw with Spain through a minor knee problem, but after appearing in the news heavily of late after being pictured drunk, Mourinho could leave him out.

Striker Ibrahimović will be missing from the United squad as he is suspended after he picked up another booking against Swansea.

The Gunners will be without Hector Bellerin, who has been ruled out for four weeks, following a tackle from Danny Rose in England’s friendly with Spain.

Santi Cazorla will also miss out on the tie through injury, but to Arsenal fans relief Alexis Sanchez should be fit after suffering a minor muscle injury on international duty with Chile.

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About the author
Ben Strange
Sports journalism at Southampton Solent University