United return to Premier League action with a tough trip to fierce rivals Arsenal. Though Erik ten Hag&aposs side do have six points on the board, they have yet to impress in any of their three games and were beaten when they faced their first top 10 side in Tottenham.
Things have not been made easier by United&aposs growing injury list. Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Tom Heaton are all sidelined.
However, Ten Hag has been boosted by Hojlund&aposs return to fitness after it was confirmed the new striker is available after arriving at Old Trafford with a back injury. “Yes, he&aposs had a good training week. Tomorrow we will have a final training session but he&aposs doing well, he&aposs responding well,” the manager said. “So, yeah, he&aposll be available for Sunday&aposs game. I think he&aposs ready to start.”
Though the Dane might be ready to start, it&aposs hard to see Ten Hag throwing him in at the deep end at the Emirates. A strong performance against the Gunners could give Hojlund a huge confidence boost but it would be a risk to start him in such a difficult game so soon after an injury.
The temptation must be strong given the lack of options elsewhere. Marcus Rashford has to start on the left after already looking miles better there against Nottingham Forest. That leaves either the misfiring Antony Martial or the man who replaced him off the bench last week, Jadon Sancho, to take his place.
Despite another lacklustre display, Martial may get the nod as Ten Hag doesn&apost seem confident in starting Sancho through the middle. Antony will almost certainly keep his place on the right given Facundo Pellistri can&apost get a look in.
The rest of the side nearly picks itself. Victor Lindelof will start in place of the sidelined Varane alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Lisandro Martinez. Ten Hag does have a left back to choose from following the deadline day signing of Sergio Reguilon but could continue with Diogo Dalot at the back.
