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Opinion

Three lessons Manchester United must learn from November’s defeat against Arsenal

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Manchester United travel to face Arsenal tomorrow evening looking to get back on track.

United have actually lost their last two league meetings with the Gunners, most recently going down 1-0 at Old Trafford in November.

Arsenal always raise their game to face United so Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to learn his lessons from that loss tomorrow night.

Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League
Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images

Don’t use the diamond

In the game before that November clash, United used a midfield diamond to help beat RB Leizpig 5-0 in the Champions League.

Solskjaer went with the same system against the Gunners and United largely failed to lay a glove on their visitors.

It should be noted that Arsenal played a 3-4-3 system that day and are more likely to use a 4-2-3-1 tomorrow, which throws up different tactical questions.

But Solskjaer would be wise not to consider the diamond again for this one.

Start faster

A common theme between November’s Arsenal loss and Wednesday’s defeat to Sheffield United was a slow start.

United have come from behind seven times in the league this season but it’s a hard trick to keep repeating.

Solskjaer will be looking for a response from his side and a quick start is a part of that.

As mentioned above, playing United is something of a cup final for Arsenal, so they’ll be up for it from the off.

United have to be ready for that and match it.

Fulham v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Start Cavani

Cavani only got 15 minutes from the bench in the home meeting with Arsenal.

His movement and non-stop running makes United’s attack more dangerous and he can exploit David Luiz’s propensity to make an error.

Solskjaer needs to start viewing Cavani like Brendan Rodgers views Jamie Vardy at Leicester.

The Englishman is a month older than Cavani and if he’s fit, he plays.

Solskjaer has so far tried to manage Cavani carefully but he is supremely fit and United look more threatening when he plays.