---
title: "Manchester United vs Arsenal: Five things to look out for"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/05/15/manchester-united-vs-arsenal-five-things-to-look-out-for/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd Match Previews"
published: "2015-05-15T17:06:57Z"
modified: "2015-05-15T17:07:38Z"
---

# Manchester United vs Arsenal: Five things to look out for

**1. The return of van Persie?**

Despite Louis van Gaal ruling out the possibility of Wayne Rooney featuring, the Dutchman has declared Rob van Persie fit to face his former club, meaning he could be thrown straight back into the starting line-up after recovering from a virus. During the 1-0 loss to West Brom, the forward was unlucky that he didn’t score, as Boaz Myhill denied him with two brilliant saves, one coming from the penalty spot and another effort from the edge of the box. I’m sure van Persie will be looking to make the most of this opportunity, as his future at the club has been in doubt, with his contract running out at the end of next season.

**2. Nullify Fellaini, stop United?**

It’s been a talking point since the Belgian’s performance against Tottenham Hotspur, playing in a “wide number 10” position. Teams have since deployed a defensive midfielder to man mark Fellaini, and Francis Coquelin will be given the responsibility this Sunday, as he’s the only recognised defensive midfielder in Arsenal’s recent line-ups. Fellaini has the obvious height advantage over Coquelin, so it’s a question of how often will Per Mertesacker step out of the back line and confront any aerial challenges with Fellaini, whilst potentially leaving space in behind.

**3. Tracking Monreal**

Both of Arsenal’s Spanish full-backs like to get up the pitch in advanced positions as much as they can. This might be limited, as United may have the majority of possession, but when Arsenal get the opportunity to attack, expect to see Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal high up the pitch. I believe Daley Blind and Ashley Young have the work rate and defensive awareness to deal with the majority of threats down their left hand side, whereas on the other side I think it’s a different story. There’s no doubt that Valencia and Mata have improved and adapted to play in a different position, but both have their defensive frailties when tracking runners. Monreal has already shown United what he’s capable of when he’s in advanced positions, as he scored against them in their 2-1 win in the FA Cup.

**4. Fellaini latching onto Monreal?**

With Young’s back-post cross and Radamel Falcao’s sly push on Damien Delaney, it allowed Fellaini to score the winning goal against Crystal Palace, a similar area of the pitch where Swansea scored against Arsenal last Monday. The goal from Bafetimbi Gomis lead them to a 1-0 win at the Emirates, and highlighted a potential weakness that United might try to exploit. Gomis was able to get in between Laurent Koscielny and Monreal to head the ball goal-wards, which just managed to cross the line as David Ospina’s diving save was too late. Young may aim to send his crosses to the back post to test Koscielny’s and Monreal’s aerial ability, especially if they’re under pressure from Fellaini.

**5. Arsenal’s tactics**

I believe Arsenal will allow United to have time on the ball until they start venturing forward into their half, as their first priority will be to have solid formation that won’t be broken down easily. This is because they currently lie 3rd in the league, and if they prevent United from winning the match, it will put them in a very good position to achieve automatic Champions League qualification, as their last two games in the Premier League are against Sunderland and West Brom, both at the Emirates. United have found it difficult in recent weeks to break down stubborn defences, but you won’t see United dominate possession as much as they have done recently. There will be times in the match where Arsenal pick and choose when to put pressure on United and when to commit more players forward, as doing this constantly throughout the match may play into the hands of the Red Devils.