Manchester United Captain Bruno Fernades returns to training ahead ofthe visit of premier league leaders Arsenal to the theatre of dream on sunday afternoon for what would be a title decide for Mikel Arteta’s gunners who are still hoping of lifting a trophy they last won 20 years ago during the now famous invincible season. There are not so good news though on Mason Mount who suffered a fresh injury in the 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday night while the Arsenal game comes too soon for Lisandro Martinez. Another long term absentee Luke Shaw suffered a set back on his road to recovery and is now hoping to be fit in time for the FA Cup final against Pep Guardiola’s Citizens.
Erik ten Hag: “Mason Mount has suffered a new injury and he won’t be available”. “Luke Shaw has also suffered a set-back in his recovery”. On Martinez he said: “Lisandro Martínez is desperate to play, he wanted to play vs Arsenal but it’s too early”. “I’d never gamble with a player’s fitness. It’s about them and their futures. That is the most important thing. I have to take responsibility for it”.
Arteta will hope to have both Takehiro Tomiyasu and Bukayo Saka fit for the tie against United with both players fighting against time to be fit for the clash with the England winger having suffered a stamp on his ankle by Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie who escaped without a card in the gunners 3-0 win over the Cheeries at the Emirate in the early kickoff on Saturday afternoon. Jurien Timber is back and available and it’s interesting to see who Arteta replaces him with in the gunners matchday squad.
What does the Super Sunday clash means for both side?
Manchester United have all but given up hope of European football through the league standing with their only chance of European football is if they can beat their city rival to the FA cup trophy but its all pride to play for with their rivalry with Arsenal dating back to the Ferguson/Wenger era and United will want to dent the Gunners title charge.
For Arsenal their title charge could be over with a draw or defeat at Old Trafford with Manchester City playing on Saturday lunch time kickoff against Fulham. A win over Fulham will see the Citizens leapfrog Arsenal to the top of the standings with Arsenal playing later on Sunday and the gunners can not afford a slip up to hand Pep and his City armies the chance to claim a fourth successive EPL title. Arteta will be hoping to continue his good record against United as a manager having played United 8 times with his records standing at 5 wins, 1 drawn and two lost. Super Sunday awaits us in the EPL title run-in.
