3 key battles when Manchester United take on Arsenal

The Premier League returns this weekend after a fortnight’s break for internationals, and it kicks off again with a belter at Old Trafford as Manchester United host Arsenal.

Jose Mourinho’s United have struggled in the first few months of the season, and sit six points adrift of Saturday’s opponents after winning just five of their opening 11 Premier League matches.

In contrast, Arsene Wenger’s Gunners are unbeaten in their last 16 games in all competitions, dating back to their 4-3 defeat to Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season.

Red Devils boss Mourinho – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Since then, they’ve recorded seven league wins and three Champions League successes, the latter meaning that they have already qualified for the last 16 of the competition.

However, they travel to Old Trafford on Saturday looking for a first league win there since 2006, and come up against a United side that got back to winning ways prior to the international break courtesy of a 3-1 win at Swansea.

Nonetheless, Gunners fans will feel confident that their side can end their Old Trafford hoodoo on Saturday, although United fans will know that manager Mourinho has never lost to Arsenal in 11 meetings.

It’s all set up to be a thrilling encounter on Saturday, and here are THREE key battles which could determine the outcome in Manchester…