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3 Ways Manchester United Can Outplay Arsenal on Sunday

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For the most part of 5 years, matches against Arsenal would not have worried a Manchester United faithful.


There was always a feeling that even after all the passing and beautiful play, Arsenal would just not be able to come up with the telling blow the way a Sir Alex Ferguson team delivers even at its worst form. But come Sunday, there will be sweats on the brows of those in red and the ecstatic anticipation of a big victory on the faces of the travelling support when the Premier League's in-form team take on a squad going through a transitional phase under new manager David Moyes. Arsene Wenger could not have asked for a better time for this fixture to arrive as his team have silenced those who have termed their start as a false high with a hard-fought win over Borussia Dortmund in mid-week. Associating an Arsenal squad with 'hard-fought' is proof this Arsenal side will not be toppled as easily as before. But as always, administering a win is not very far if United get their strategy right. The tactics to be focused on can be condensed in 3 simple steps:

1. Concentrate in the center of the park

Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal celebrate victory at the final whistle during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal at Signal Iduna Park on November 6, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany
It is no surprise Arsenal will look to out-pass United in the center of midfield. In Shinji Kagawa and Fellaini, the red devils have 2 central players who are finding their form this season. Playing one if not both should be thought about. One option is playing a 3-man midfield with Carrick, Cleverley and the Belgian in the middle. That would help in possession retention as well as tackling the ball from the likes of Ozil and Ramsey which Fellaini could do a good job of. Playing Kagawa on the wings could be a good ploy as well as he drifts in the center to help in creating moves through the center which attacks Arsenal's obvious lack of a defensive midfielder. Even if the usual formation is employed, trusting Fellaini and Kagawa for this title-defining encounter could reap rewards

2. Play higher up the pitch - Press and steal

Arsenal's game is beautiful when in form but they are not unstoppable. Borussia Dortmund have twice proven their passing game can be curbed with some disciplined pressing. As brilliant as Ozil, Ramsey and Cazorla are, they are all prone to take a few touches on the ball when they receive it. When pressed for space they lose the ball or mis-pass on many occasions. United too have played better football when higher up the pitch as the space between the defense and midfield is plugged and creating attacks from midfield is easier. Pressing and stealing the ball before Arsenal build up a passing momentum will give Moyes' team the edge in midfield. If United stay deep and invite the opposition to pass the ball around they will be in for another mauling like the Manchester derby 4-1 defeat. Once United can press and steal, the next step is obvious.

3. United's strength - The counter-attack

United are known for their counter-attacking strength and this season too they have found it easier springing a fast counter than build a passing move with patience. If United can steal the ball from Wenger's side, a quick counter, especially one that exploits the space they leave behind the full-backs, will be a very rewarding tactic. Dortmund got behind Arsenal many times in both the Champions League group legs using their wide men especially right-back Grosskeutz. United have two brilliant side-backs in Rafael and Evra who can attack the flanks if the midfield does their job well. On the same note, if the rest of the team does not play higher up or press the Arsenal players, the side-backs will just be forced to sit deep like extra center-backs. United's best chances might come from their biggest strength - the counter-attack.

The favorites are certainly the Gunners, but United have been steadily improving and will look to a strong display in front of their fans. If United play higher up the pitch, press forward, steal the ball and counter quickly, they can break the rhythm of this season's form team and make a big statement on the title race.

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