Their recent blip allowed Arsenal to leapfrog them in the league table but Man United will be hoping they can defeat the Gunners on Sunday to keep their top three hopes alive. Arsenal who still have a game in hand could have sealed a place in the top three had they won their game last time out, but Bafétimbi Gomis' late goal denied them of any point.
Man United do have a couple of injury concerns but they will be in a buoyant mood especially with a top three finish on the horizon. Here are five things they must do to record an important win over Arsenal on Sunday.
Defensive tactics
Louis Van Gaal should take notes from Swansea's win over Arsenal who despite of being out played in the match managed to record the all important three points. Even though Arsenal continued playing their free flowing football, the Swansea defence did not allow them an inch inside the penalty area and when they did Lukasz Fabianski was always present to keep his goal safe.
United made use of similar tactics when the two sides met at the Emirates in the reverse fixture. Arsenal had a few clear cut chances they failed to convert, Man United on the other hand exploited the Arsenal defence on counters and in doing so recorded a very important win.
Use Angel Di Maria
The last game the Argentinean started was against Arsenal in the FA Cup, following which the former Real Madrid star has been demoted to the bench. Di Maria has failed to have the kind of impact he was expected to have following his big money move from Madrid. However his qualities are for all to know and it is important that he is restored in the starting line-up.
His last match against Arsenal will be remembered for his red card as a result of a dive and a tug on the referee's shirt. However in all fairness, the Argentinean had a good match until that moment having provided an assist for Rooney's equaliser. The 27 year old was also a provider in the reverse fixture at the Emirates and it is important that he is give a chance to express his talents on Sunday.
Van Persie with a point to prove
The Dutchman was integral in Man United's title triumph during his first season at the club and he emerged as an important player for his side. However his performances have experienced a downward incline with his growing age and the former Arsenal man is now on the verge of being completely axed by his manager.
However an injury to Wayne Rooney has provided him with an opportunity to once again prove his worth and what better match than that against his former employees. The Dutchman has scored thrice against the Gunners since switching his loyalties to Manchester United and a goal on Sunday will not just be important for the club's ambitions but might also go far in determining whether he stays at the club beyond the summer.
Win midfield battles
Arguably Arsenal's strongest area is their midfield and with the hoard of talent they have in the middle of the park, the Gunners can be very difficult to contain. Mesut Ozil has finally emerged as the player he was always touted to being and has been imperative in Arsenal's recent success. Santi Cazorla has been a revelation as a central midfielder alongside Francis Coquelin who has imperious with his play breaking abilities. When on song, the Arsenal midfield can be impossible to control but the Red Devils have their own personnel who have performed well this season including the likes of Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera who must ensure that the Arsenal midfielders are not allowed much time and space.
Stop Sanchez
Sanchez has enjoyed a very impressive debut season and when everything else has failed, Arsenal have relied on their Chilean star to produce the goods and he has done so on most occasions with aplomb. He has scored 24 goals in only his first season at the club with his record almost as good as Henry's when he first arrived at the club.
If United want anything out of the match, they must keep the former Barcelona man at bay.
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