Erik ten Hag is confident that his players are prepared for the upcoming battle against Arsenal, and Manchester United is eagerly anticipating Sunday’s highly-anticipated showdown.
While Manchester United has accumulated six points from their initial three Premier League matches, their performances have been less than stellar.
They narrowly defeated Wolves 1-0 in their Old Trafford opener and suffered a 2-0 loss to Tottenham.
In their most recent outing at Old Trafford, they had to come from behind to secure a 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest.
As last season’s Premier League runners-up, United understands that they must elevate their performance at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday when they face Arsenal, who finished third in the league last year.
“It’s one of the biggest games in the Premier League and we are really looking forward, of course, to that fight,” the United boss said. “It’s really always interesting games, intense games.
“I think it is two teams who really play offensive football, the right intentions, I would say.
“The audience is always the big winner of that game, so really looking forward to have that game.”
Manchester United is heading to the capital with three new signings who are now eligible to play.
Altay Bayindir, a goalkeeper from Fenerbahce, joined the team on Friday after Dean Henderson’s departure to Crystal Palace. Tottenham’s left-back Sergio Reguilon also arrived on a season-long loan, and the return of Jonny Evans to the club on a one-year contract was recently announced.
All three players were registered in time to be available for the match against Arsenal. However, Sofyan Amrabat, who arrived on loan from Fiorentina with an obligation to buy, was not eligible to play.
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— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2023
🔴 Sofyan Amrabat = United 🔴#MUFC
The deadline day signings have strengthened a squad that will be competing on multiple fronts this season. Manchester United was recently drawn into a Champions League group that includes Bayern Munich, FC Copenhagen, and Galatasaray.
“We need the depth to go into the four competitions,” Ten Hag said.
“But also our players, most of them international players for their nations, so they will go all over the world.
“We have to cover that. We have to be prepared for that situation, that we always can put a competitive team on the pitch.”
Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, and Tyrell Malacia are still unavailable for the upcoming match against Arsenal.
In addition to these players, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, and Tom Heaton are also sidelined due to injuries. However, the new summer signing, Rasmus Hojlund, has been cleared to make his debut after recovering from a back problem.
Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, and Tyrell Malacia are still unavailable for the upcoming match against Arsenal.
In addition to these players, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, and Tom Heaton are also sidelined due to injuries. However, the new summer signing, Rasmus Hojlund, has been cleared to make his debut after recovering from a back problem.
“I think he is ready to start,” Ten Hag said of the Denmark striker, who arrived from Atalanta in a deal that could reach £72million.
“I think for every player there is a big spotlight. At United you have to perform, so in every position and with every player.”