Manchester United v Arsenal: Five things we want to see

Manchester United take on Arsenal at Old Trafford on Monday night looking to get the season back on track.

It is time Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side got their act back together. The opening weekend 4-0 win over Chelsea seems so long ago. We have not scored more than two goals in a match since.

Here are five things we want to see from the fixture…

Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images

Let’s start with a W

Only a win will do for United tonight. We enter the game in 11th place, but could move up to sixth with a win. That’s how tight it is.

United will fall further adrift with a defeat against a top four rival, who are already three points ahead of us.

A draw would not be particularly helpful. It would mean United would be below the likes of Crystal Palace and Bournemouth. It’s just not acceptable after seven games.

A win will get some of the positivity back and make up for the defeat last week against West Ham.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Clean sheet

This will be a big test of United’s defence, facing a striker in red hot form in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

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The Red Devils have conceded just six goals in six games in the league so far, one of the strongest records in the division behind only Leicester and Liverpool.

A clean sheet would be an impressive statement in such a big game and follow up similar Old Trafford shut outs against Chelsea and Leicester.

Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images

James outdoing Pepe

It has been quite amusing so far how United’s bargain Championship signing Dan James has outperformed Arsenal’s record transfer Nicolas Pepe.

This has prompted some to compare the duo on social media, and while it is probable Pepe pulls away at some point, let us hope it is not tonight.

James was quiet in the games over Leicester and West Ham, with his electric form prior to the international break levelling out.

This would be the perfect time to pick it up back again and get back on the scoresheet.

James is key to United’s attack, which has been poor in recent games. He is the spark which can ignite it.

Lingard dancing

A tradition against Arsenal, this game is crying out for Jesse Lingard to score a decisive goal.

Lingard’s last goal for United came against the Gunners in January, there is something he loves about playing against them.

After all this time without a goal, you can bet Lingard has a special celebration lined up tonight if he gets back on the scoresheet, and Arsenal fans will really hate to see it.

Mason Greenwood

This is a huge moment for Mason Greenwood. He has done it against Astana, he has done it against Rochdale… Arsenal are a bigger test.

We don’t have worries that he can. His pre-season strike against Inter Milan showed he is not intimidated by big name players or opponents.

Still, it won’t be easy against a top Premier League side even if they are seriously suspect defensively.

This can be a star-making performance for Greenwood and we would love to see him score against the Gunners and even net the winner.

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