Emery hints he might drop Aubameyang for crucial trip to Man United

December 5, 2018 By Ali M.

Topics: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Manchester United, Arsenal, English Premier League

The league's top scorer might have to make do with a spot on the bench for Wednesday's highly-anticipated Old Trafford trip.

Arsenal faces Man United on Wednesday, with the Gunners aiming to end their long wait for a Premier League win at Old Trafford. Given their form and that of the Red Devils, that run could come to an end.

While Mourinho's men are without a win in their last three league games, Emery's side has recorded back-to-back victories over Bournemouth and Tottenham in the build-up to this fixture. The north London side is yet to lose a single game since August 18, but their manager hinted that he might drop a key player in their 19-game unbeaten streak.

That man is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the league's top scorer this season as everything stands. He has 10 goals under his belt so far, scoring a brace in their weekend North London Derby victory, but could be relegated to the bench if Unai's words are anything to go by.

Speaking ahead of their Theatre of Dreams visit, the Spaniard made an honest confession about the Gabonese forward. The manager said that the former Dortmund ace is a versatile attacker who can play down the middle or on the flanks, but stated that he is sometimes most effective when coming off the bench.

"I want his best performance and also for the collective," Emery said, as per the Metro.

"In his career, he has played as a winger on the right, on the left and like a striker. He played with two strikers.

"I use him here every position for us. And sometimes his best performance is starting the match on the bench and then playing 20 or 25 minutes."

Could he be benched for the Man United clash? It's possible, given that it's an away game and Lacazette would offer more ball retention. It should be noted that Aubameyang has made explosive sub cameos before, coming off the bench to score braces against Fulham and Leicester earlier this season.

However, Arsenal knows the importance of winning at Old Trafford. Aside from ending their 12-year wait, the three points would be crucial given that they are only ahead of Tottenham in the top-four race courtesy of a superior goal difference. Failure to win could undo that.