Manchester United vs Arsenal - Combined XI | Premier League 2021-22

Manchester United host traditional rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford on Thursday in a blockbuster Premier League clash.

The Red Devils have a better head-to-head record against their London rivals. Manchester United have won 24 out of their 58 meetings in the Premier League. But the form of these two sides has been contrasting lately.

United are still struggling to stitch a winning run together. Meanwhile, the Gunners have shrugged off their early-season woes to climb up to fifth in the league table, three places above United.

They've won seven of their last 10 top-flight games, losing just once to revive their campaign. The hosts will be remiss in taking them lightly.

United are winless in their last six league meetings with Arsenal. The Gunners are looking for a second consecutive win at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979.

Ahead of the mouth-watering clash, here's how Manchester United and Arsenal stack up a combined XI: (Formation: 4-1-3-2)

---

Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Ramsdale has established himself in Arsenal's goal

David De Gea has been impressive for large parts of Manchester United's tumultuous season. But Aaron Ramsdale has been the toast of the season.

Arsenal took a gamble on him by signing the goalkeeper from relegated Sheffield United this summer. But he's shown the capability to make the step up and deliver for a big side.

He replaced Bernd Leno as their first-choice keeper on Matchday 4. Since then, Ramsdale has kept six clean sheets while conceding only eight - four of which came against Liverpool alone.

Nonetheless, he ranks 10th in the Premier League for saves made with 35. He has pulled off some really incredible ones to add fuel to Arsenal's mid-season renaissance.

---

Right-back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)

Wan-Bissaka is strong defensively

Arguably the best 1v1 defender in the Premier League, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will look to provide width down the right for United, although his attacking stats leave a lot to be desired.

Defensively, he trumps Takehiro Tomiyasu for average tackles (2.2 to 2.1), interceptions (1.3 to 1.1) and blocks (0.8 to 0.1) in the league this season and hence comes into our XI.

Centre-back: Ben White (Arsenal)

White has been a bang for Arsenal's buck

Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal splashed £50 million for Ben White in the summer, but the player has responded to his critics in style with top performance lately.

The 24-year-old is averaging 3.6 clearances per game in the league whilst he's forged an impeccable partnership with Gabriel in defense that has provided the foundations for their revival.

---

Centre-back: Gabriel (Arsenal)

An impeccable presence in Arsenal's backline

United's centre-backs have been disastrous this season, especially Harry Maguire, while Raphael Varane, the only reliable option for them at the moment, is currently injured.

Gabriel is the only remaining choice and he's been truly impressive at the heart of Arsenal's backline, whilst also scoring a goal in the 2-0 win over Leicester City.

---

Left-back: Nuno Tavares (Arsenal)

A star in the making?

Nuno Tavares has been a revelation for Arsenal this season, with the Portuguese youngster taking his chances superbly with eye-catching performances.

He's confident, committed, fearless, fiery and, most importantly, runs his lungs out to bring industry and dynamism to Arsenal's left-back position. One for the future?

Defensive midfielder: Thomas Partey (Arsenal)

Arsenal's anchorman

This is arguably the weakest position on the list, with no player from either side making a convincing case. But Thomas Partey gets the nod for his role in Arsenal's recent improvements.

The Ghanian is a crunch tackler and reads the game brilliantly, averaging 2.2 clearances to provide a strong protective screen for the back-four.

---

Right-winger: Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)

Sancho has two goals for United in his last two games

In the post-Solskjaer era, the United player who's impressed the most is Jadon Sancho, scoring in both their games since the Norwegian left.

He struck a fantastic goal against Villarreal in the Champions League before a sizzling counter-attacking goal against Chelsea last weekend. Can he now make it three in three?

---

Attacking midfielder: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

The Portuguese has created chances for United by the dozens!

Bruno Fernandes has taken over the creative mantle of the side to emerge as United's best playmaker with nine assists for the season, whilst weighing in with another four goals.

He's looked subdued in the last three games, failing to have any meaningful impact, but the Red Devils will hope to have the star at his creative best for tomorrow's big game.

---

Left-winger: Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal)

Smith Rowe has been one of the best young players of the season

The youngster has been a revelation for the Gunners this season, so much so that he even broke into England's national set-up last month and struck his maiden goal.

On the club front, Smith Rowe has five goals and two assists from 15 games in all competitions so far. He's developing into a potent threat with his line-breaking runs and eye for a pass.

Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Ronaldo has struck 10 times for United his returning to the side

Since his sensational return to Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo has wasted no time in proving his worth to the side, netting 10 times in all competitions already.

However, his whirlwind start is fizzling out, having struck only once from the last eight league games. He'll be eager to bag a few against Arsenal, a side he's greatly tormented in the past.

---

Striker: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)

Arsenal's chief targetman

Arsenal's danger man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has managed to score seven goals and make two assists from 13 games in all competitions despite claims of poor form.

If it wasn't for his wastefulness in the last few games, those figures would've been much higher. The Gunners would be hoping to have the star in clinical form against United.