Arteta praises Man United strikers ahead of today’s showdown

Manchester United’s forwards have forged a strong understanding that makes them a real threat in the Premier League, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta who will take his team to Old Trafford today.

United’s front three of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood combined for 62 goals in all competitions last season and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer bolstered their attack by signing Uruguay international Edinson Cavani last month.

With Daniel James and Odion Ighalo also in their ranks, Arteta said United have the options to change their style.

“They create really good relationships and they’re all very different. They glide together, have really good understanding and chemistry on the pitch. You can see that,” Arteta told Arsenal’s website.

“Since the lockdown, Ole has managed to improve that a lot and you can see that at the end of (last) season, the amount of goals and types of goals they were scoring. They’re a threat.

“They can play two or three different formations... they’ve been changing some things because of the opponents, because of the quality of players they have and sometimes to change the game in certain moments.

“We have to be prepared for that because they have that adaptability, they have a big squad and up front they have a lot of options to do different things.”

United are unbeaten in their last 13 home Premier League games against Arsenal.

On his part Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he hoped to celebrate his 100th game in charge of the club with a victory, but is well aware of the threat posed by old rivals Arsenal.

Solskjaer faced questions about his position following this month’s 6-1 Premier League defeat by Tottenham Hotspur but his team have since won three of their last four games in domestic and European competition to silence the critics.

“Arsenal is always going to be difficult, because they’re a very good team with a good manager who has got some great ideas on how football should be played,” Solskjaer said.

“Surprised it’s 100 games, it’s gone really quickly even though a lot has happened, so let’s hope I can celebrate number 100 with a good performance.”