We preview Sunday’s FA Cup third-round clash at the Emirates Stadium with our prediction for Arsenal vs. Manchester United. Which of these football giants will secure a spot in the fourth round?
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Arsenal vs Manchester United: Match Preview
Mikel Arteta’s tenure at Arsenal has been widely regarded as a success.
Over five years into his leadership, Arteta has revitalized the Gunners’ squad and rebuilt the connection between players and fans at the Emirates Stadium. Without the dominance of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, Arteta might have already secured two Premier League titles.
However, his only major silverware remains the FA Cup triumph in 2020. Tuesday’s 2-0 League Cup semi-final defeat to Newcastle United has added fuel to growing criticism.
With their League Cup hopes now hanging by a thread, the FA Cup could represent Arsenal’s best chance at a trophy this season. The third-round clash against defending champions Manchester United poses a formidable challenge, especially with the Red Devils arriving at the Emirates on the back of a confidence-boosting 2-2 draw at Liverpool.
Despite Arteta’s comments on the influence of the “tricky” Puma-manufactured balls used in the League Cup, Arsenal’s poor finishing was evident, marking a recurring issue.
In Tuesday’s loss, the Gunners unleashed 23 shots without scoring—the second-highest in a game under Arteta without finding the net, surpassed only by their 30 attempts in a Premier League loss to West Ham in December 2023.
Key players Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Jurriën Timber squandered clear opportunities against Newcastle, as Arsenal accumulated 3.09 expected goals (xG) but managed just three shots on target.
Arsenal’s struggles in attack—particularly from open play—have been a recurring issue this season. Across all competitions, they are averaging 1.37 open-play goals per 90 minutes, generated from an average of 1.26 xG per game. Both metrics have declined compared to the 2023-24 season, when the Gunners averaged 1.46 open-play goals per match with an xG of 1.32.
They are also taking fewer shots from open play this season, averaging 10 per game compared to 12.1 last term. Additionally, their per-shot xG (excluding set-pieces) has dropped to 0.11 in 2024-25, down from 0.13 in the previous campaign.
Last month, Arteta admitted he was flattered by comparisons between his team and Tony Pulis’ Stoke City, a side notorious for their heavy reliance on set-pieces. However, beneath the surface, he must be frustrated with their lack of progress in open play.
To turn things around this weekend, Gabriel Jesus could prove pivotal. The Brazilian forward has been in red-hot form, scoring six goals in his last six outings across all competitions after managing just one in his first 20 appearances of the 2024-25 season.
Among Arsenal players, only Kai Havertz (12) and Bukayo Saka (nine) have scored more goals this term. Notably, Havertz has played nearly 1,000 minutes more than Jesus (2,111 compared to 1,164).
That said, Jesus has struggled historically against Manchester United, netting just once in 14 career appearances. He only has a worse minutes-per-goal record against Newcastle (769) and Southampton (745), compared to the 577 minutes per goal he averages against the Red Devils.
Arsenal’s challenge will be compounded by the ongoing absence of Bukayo Saka, with Ben White, Ethan Nwaneri, and Takehiro Tomiyasu also unavailable for a return.
On the other hand, Manchester United showed resilience in their previous outing, clawing back from a 2-1 deficit to secure a 2-2 draw at Liverpool. They came tantalizingly close to a famous win, if not for Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time miss.
While the Red Devils have had their struggles under Ruben Amorim, they possess the star quality to exploit opponents, especially those who give them space to counterattack.
Captain Bruno Fernandes exemplifies this threat. Returning from a one-match suspension following his red card against Wolves on Boxing Day, Fernandes delivered a stellar performance at Anfield. He created four chances in the match—twice as many as any other player on the pitch, including Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Andy Robertson, who each created two.
Remarkably, this was the highest number of chances created by a United player in a Premier League game at Anfield since Opta began recording data in 2003-04, and it included an assist for Lisandro Martínez’s opener.
This season, Fernandes has created 43 chances in the Premier League, a tally bettered only by Cole Palmer (57) and Anthony Gordon (47). However, his open-play creativity has slightly dipped, with 1.8 chances created per 90 minutes—his lowest since the 2019-20 campaign (1.7).
If Ruben Amorim has discovered how to get the best out of the Portugal international—who has often looked frustrated this season and has already been sent off three times—United’s hopes of another journey to Wembley could become a reality.
However, they are still contending with a lengthy injury list. Mason Mount, Victor Lindelöf, and Luke Shaw remain sidelined, while Marcus Rashford, who missed last weekend due to illness, could make his return in this fixture.
Arsenal vs Manchester United: Head-to-Head
This will mark the 16th FA Cup clash—excluding replays and second legs—between Arsenal and Manchester United, making it the second-most frequent fixture in the competition’s history, trailing only Liverpool versus Everton (19 ties).
However, this is the first time the two most successful clubs in FA Cup history (Arsenal with 14 titles, United with 13) will meet in the third round of the competition.
Sunday’s encounter will also make Arsenal versus United the seventh fixture in FA Cup history to feature in all six rounds available to top-flight clubs (from the third round to the final). This distinction is shared with Arsenal versus Chelsea, Chelsea versus Liverpool, Chelsea versus United, Chelsea versus Tottenham, Liverpool versus United, and United versus Southampton.
Arsenal have been knocked out in the third round of the FA Cup twice in the past three seasons, a rare occurrence after having only suffered elimination at this stage once in the previous 25 campaigns.
United, on the other hand, have eliminated Arsenal from the FA Cup more times than any other club (eight), although the Gunners have also knocked out the Red Devils more than any other team (seven).
The two sides last met in the Premier League in early December, with Arsenal capitalizing on their set-piece strengths to claim a 2-0 home win, courtesy of goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba.
Arsenal vs Manchester United: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Arsenal – Team News
Arsenal’s injury concerns are easing as they gear up to host Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday.
The Gunners have recently dealt with illness within the squad, but both Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard featured in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle.
Raheem Sterling has returned from a knee injury sustained last month, while Gabriel Martinelli started on Tuesday after being limited to the bench in last weekend’s match against Brighton.
However, Arsenal will still be without Ben White (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) for the third-round clash. Aside from these absences, Mikel Arteta is expected to have a nearly full squad available.
Goalkeeper Neto, who joined on loan from Bournemouth in the summer, could finally make his debut. Yet, Arteta may stick with David Raya in goal, supported by a strong defensive lineup that could include Riccardo Calafiori, who was rested against Newcastle.
In midfield, Declan Rice and Ødegaard are expected to start, with Arteta deciding between Mikel Merino, Jorginho, or Thomas Partey for the third spot.
Arsenal’s attack, which struggled to capitalize on chances against Newcastle, offers limited options. Havertz is likely to retain his role as the No. 9, while Gabriel Jesus may make a rare appearance on the right wing.
Arsenal – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper – Raya
- Defenders – Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori
- Midfielders – Odegaard, Rice, Merino
- Forwards – Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli
Manchester United – Team News
Manchester United are set to give a rare start to backup goalkeeper Altay Baydinir in Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Arsenal.
Ruben Amorim’s men silenced some critics with a promising 2-2 draw at Liverpool last weekend, though the manager emphasized the need for such performances to become consistent.
Next, United travel to the Emirates Stadium for their third-round tie, aiming to defend the title they secured with a surprising victory over Manchester City in last year’s final.
Baydinir had a tough outing during the 4-3 Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham last month. However, speaking to reporters on Friday, Amorim confirmed, “Altay will play.”
Marcus Rashford, who missed the Liverpool match due to illness, is fit to return. Yet speculation surrounding his long-term future at the club suggests he may not start.
Amorim also indicated that his early reliance on heavy squad rotation is easing as his preferred starting XI begins to take shape.
“A lot of players were returning from injuries, so now we are rotating less,” he said: “I feel that sometimes I have to choose fresh legs because I look at same players in the best position and I feel they are at the same level so I try to put some fresh legs [in].
“Now we had time to train a little bit more, I expect our team to understand better the game. We try to work on set pieces, we suffered a lot in the last game.”
“So we will see. I dion’t rotate because I want to rotate. I’m trying to find the best solutions to win every game. Sometimes I have doubts about which player to put and then I put the guy who is more fresh to cope with the demands of the game.”
Manchester United – Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)
- Goalkeeper – Bayindir
- Defenders – Yoro, Maguire, De Ligt
- Midfielders – Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot
- Forwards – Amad, Fernandes, Hojlund
Arsenal vs Manchester United Match: Prediction
Newcastle’s remarkable defensive performance at the Emirates deserves recognition, but Arsenal’s woeful finishing let them down, and they may face similar struggles against a Manchester United team that required two corners to defeat them in December.
A win at the Emirates still seems unlikely for Amorim’s side—one strong performance at Anfield doesn’t guarantee sustained improvement—and even if Arsenal are pushed to penalties, they should have the composure and quality to end Manchester United’s cup run at the first stage.
Despite recent setbacks, Arsenal may be the stronger team, but Manchester United are always capable of causing an upset.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United
When and Where to Watch Arsenal vs Manchester United Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
Sony is doing an excellent job of delivering FA Cup football entertainment right to your home, whether through their television channels or the streaming service Sony LIV. Fans from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives, and even Pakistan can also enjoy the match, as Sony caters to their viewing needs as well. You can catch the Arsenal vs Manchester United match live on Sony this Sunday, 12 January, from 8:30 pm onwards. You can either watch it on TV through Sony’s channels or stream it via Sony LIV.
FAQs
When is the Arsenal vs Manchester United FA Cup match?
The Arsenal vs Manchester United FA Cup match will take place on Sunday, 12 January, at 8:30 pm.
Where can I watch the Arsenal vs Manchester United match live?
You can watch the match live on Sony’s TV channels or stream it via Sony LIV.
What time does the Arsenal vs Manchester United match kick off?
The match will kick off at 8:30 pm on Sunday, 12 January.
Can fans from other countries watch the FA Cup match?
Yes, fans in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Pakistan can also watch the match on Sony channels or stream it on Sony LIV.
How can I stream the Arsenal vs Manchester United match online?
You can stream the match live through the Sony LIV platform on Sunday, 12 January, starting at 8:30 pm.
