Arsenal vs. Man United FA Cup clash: A tough battle ahead
Both Arsenal and Manchester United are undoubtedly eager to claim victory in this match. It's simple - the FA Cup is England's most prestigious and historic tournament. But should they be?
The reason is straightforward: the deeper they progress, the more their resources will be stretched. This necessitates careful consideration from both sides as they approach the upcoming clash.
Don't Underestimate Manchester United The last time the Gunners lifted the FA Cup, five years ago, they triumphed over Chelsea in the 2020 final, inspired by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, since that Wembley victory, Arsenal's recent record in the competition has been less than stellar, with two third-round exits and two fourth-round departures in the past four seasons. Last year, they were eliminated by Liverpool in the third round. This year, they face Manchester United at the same stage. The two most successful clubs in FA Cup history will clash, with one giant set to fall early in the pursuit of glory.
Arsenal's current form is a cause for concern. Perhaps they're treating January as a month of indulgence, casually scattering points to their opponents. Before facing Manchester United, they suffered a surprising 0-2 home defeat to Newcastle in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final. Their attack was wasteful, their defense slumbering. This loss followed a 1-1 draw with Brighton in the Premier League. It's perplexing to see Arsenal begin 2025 with such disappointing results. This isn't the hallmark of a title contender.
The clash with Manchester United could be the perfect opportunity for Arsenal to rediscover their fighting spirit and prepare for the challenges ahead. This optimism is not unfounded. Statistics show that Arsenal have won their last six encounters with Manchester United. Since their defeat to Arsenal, attributed to two corner kick situations, Manchester United have shown signs of improvement, but they haven't been truly formidable. The Red Devils currently sit 13th in the Premier League table, just seven points clear of the relegation zone.
However, underestimating Manchester United based on their league position would be a mistake. They are embracing Amorim's philosophy, and the players are showing signs of resurgence. Their recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, where they could have secured a victory if not for Harry Maguire's missed opportunity, serves as a testament to their renewed determination.

Despite the commendable performance at Anfield, Amorim remains grounded. He emphasizes the need for consistency and urges his players to maintain this level of performance. Manchester United need a victory to dispel their recent underwhelming statistics. Including the draw with Liverpool, their winless streak across all competitions has extended to five games. However, certain statistics favor Manchester United ahead of the Arsenal clash. They have conceded just one goal in their last ten FA Cup third-round matches, and more importantly, Amorim's side has won three of their last four FA Cup encounters against the Gunners.
But Does Arsenal Want to Win? This is a tricky question. Every team desires victory, but Arsenal might be weighing their options. Progressing in the FA Cup means a congested fixture list. They are still competing in the League Cup, Champions League, and Premier League. Conquering all four fronts is a daunting task, especially for a club like Arsenal, currently grappling with personnel issues.
Against Manchester United, Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Ethan Nwaneri (muscle), Ben White (knee), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) due to various injuries. 1 Raheem Sterling, though recovered, is unlikely to be considered for a starting role. Furthermore, Arsenal manager Arteta acknowledges Manchester United's tactical evolution under Amorim: "You can see the difference. They are playing a little bit differently with the personnel that they are using and as well with the positioning of some specific players. They have tweaked a few things from the last time that we played them here. So I expect some new things from them."
Arteta desires victory but not at the cost of further injuries. Moreover, is the FA Cup the competition they should prioritize? The answer depends on the club's objectives and the board's perspective. However, it's crucial to consider the context. After facing Manchester United, Arsenal face Tottenham and Aston Villa in the Premier League. These are crucial matches that Arsenal must win to maintain their title challenge against Liverpool. But if they expend all their energy against Manchester United, how can they perform optimally against Tottenham and Aston Villa? This presents a challenging dilemma for Arteta. He must carefully weigh his options and decide where to prioritize his resources.