4-2-3-1 – Rooney Starts – Manchester United’s Likely Line Up For Arsenal

Manchester United will be looking to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just five points when they take on Arsenal at Old Trafford on Saturday.

United go into the game having secured a 3-1 victory over Swansea City at the Liberty stadium before the international break whilst Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates.

Mourinho is widely expected to stick with his much preferred 4-2-3-1 formation against the Gunners with four across the back, two in central midfield, two wide men out on the flanks, one in the more advanced number ten role and a lone forward up top.

In between the sticks for United will be David De Gea. The Spaniard has endured a fine start to the new campaign and he will no doubt have to be in top form once again should he wish to keep the opposition at bay.

At right-back, Italian Matteo Darmian is likely to keep his place in the starting eleven over Antonio Valencia who will miss the game through injury. With both Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly ruled out of the clash, Mourinho will hand another start to duo Marcus Rojo and Phil Jones whilst at left-back Ashley Young will be given the nod over Luke Shaw who will remain on the substitutes’ bench.

Acting as the holding defensive midfielder will be Ander Herrera. The Spaniard has arguably been United’s standout performer so far this season and Mourinho will be hoping for more of the same when he takes to the field against Arsenal come Saturday. Alongside Herrera new club record signing, Paul Pogba will be given the freedom of the pitch by Mourinho as he bids to finds his top form.

Out on the right-hand side of midfield Marcus Rashford is likely to be recalled by Mourinho having sat out the win at Swansea last time out whilst Frenchman Anthony Martial will start on the left-hand side as he bids to rediscover the form he shown last season under former United head coach Louis Van Gaal.

Playing in the more advanced number ten role will be Juan Mata. His ability to unlock defences with his pinpoint passing combined with his terrific work rate makes him a real asset for Mourinho and is one which he will no doubt use to his advantage come Saturday.

Leading the United attack will likely be Wayne Rooney as Zlatan is suspended. The Swede already has eight goals to his name this season but will take no part this weekend having accumulated five yellow cards. Hopefully, Rooney who has a good record against Arsenal will be at his best on the day.