Arteta spots differences in United’s style

Arteta spots differences in United’s style

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes he has spotted differences in Manchester United’s play, since the last meeting between the clubs.

In early December, the Reds travelled to the Emirates Stadium for a midweek fixture in the Premier League and suffered a 2-0 defeat.

Both goals came from corners, in the second half, scored by defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba.

While United competed well, head coach Ruben Amorim has since revealed he felt a lack a belief on that night going forwards, which was certainly not the case in the tough away games at Manchester City and Liverpool recently.

The feeling at the time was we would be better equipped to deal with the Gunners in this Emirates FA Cup third-round tie, because Amorim will have had some precious time on the training ground, instilling his methods into the squad.

Certainly, Arteta acknowledges he has already noticed changes in the style being adopted under the Portuguese coach and is ready for a fresh challenge this time around.

“They play a little bit different with the personnel that they use,” he said at a press conference on Friday. “The location of certain players.

“The characteristics of the players, at the end, dictates as well what they do, where they have more threats on both sides, two feet in behind, because that’s, at the end, what determines the behaviours of a team.

“It is different, the last few weeks, to when we played them here at home, so I’m expecting a few different things.”

if United can nullify the considerable set-piece threat of the home side, then it could well be a tight affair in north London.

Extra-time and penalties will take place, if required, and the draw for the fourth round of the competition will be delayed if this ends up being the case. It is due to be held upon the conclusion of the tie at the Emirates Stadium.

Hopefully, the Reds can show the same sort of quality and spirit on show at Anfield last weekend and retain a grip on the trophy we won so memorably, against Manchester City at the end of last season.

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