Manchester United’s goal difference finally moved into positive numbers during April’s 4-2 win over bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United. It didn’t last long.
Monday’s 4-0 loss at the hands of Crystal Palace puts Erik ten Hag‘s beleaguered side back below zero and as far down as minus three with only a trio of Premier League games remaining. This Manchester United side has now conceded their most goals (81) since 1977 in all competitions.
With that in mind, there are few clubs United fans would like to see rock up at Old Trafford less than Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing Arsenal.
The free-scoring Gunners cannot directly repeat their iconic win back in 2002 – Sylvain Wiltord’s winner securing the top-flight crown – but three points would certainly go a long way to ensuring that the Premier League trophy will be adorned with red-and-white ribbons once again.
No team in the competition has scored more goals than Arsenal’s 88.
Fortunately for Ten Hag, and whoever finds himself stepping into that troublesome left-back berth, the man who has contributed more league goals than anyone else in Arteta’s squad this season is now a ‘doubt’ ahead of Sunday afternoon’s clash between the two old rivals in the north west.
Arsenal may be without Bukayo Saka at Old Trafford
Arteta said at his pre-match press conference that Bukayo Saka and versatile £18 million defender Takehiro Tomiyasu are facing a race against time (The Express).
“We can resolve (those concerns) with another training session so we’ll have to see.
“(But there are ) a few doubts over Tomi and Saka, yes.”
Saka has 16 goals and nine assists for Arsenal this season. The prospect of Man United’s brittle backline going up against one of the finest wingers in world football without either Luke Shaw or Tyrell Malacia at their disposal doesn’t bear thinking about. As such, Saka’s potential absence will be music to the ears of a fanbase fearing another humiliating defeat.
Erik ten Hag bemoans Manchester United’s injury issues
United have already lost a worst-ever 13 Premier League games this season, pressure growing on Ten Hag as a result.
“You see when we have 32 different back lines, we’ve used 13 partnerships in centre-half, when they see we don’t have a left-back, (the owners) know that will have a negative impact on results,” Ten Hag says at his own press conference, Shaw suffering a fresh blow in his hopes of a return before the FA Cup final.
“We are happy to be there (in the final vs Man City). It can be a highlight for this season. We know the reasons we are underperforming is because of the injuries. No team will perform when you have so many injuries in key areas.”
“Luke Shaw had a setback in his process as well. But there is still a hope and he will fight to be available for the final.”
Injury type Projected return Raphael Varane Muscular injury Late May Mason Mount Unknown Unknown Victor Lindelof Hamstring injury Late May Luke Shaw Thigh injury Late May Harry Maguire Muscle injury Late May Anthony Martial Groin injury Late May Tyrell Malacia Knee injury Unknown