Between them, these two clubs have won 27 FA Cups, but one of them will fall at the first hurdle; Arsenal have won four successive home games against Man United, unbeaten in eight clashes in North London, seeking five wins in-a-row in this fixture for the first time since 1978.
Arsenal vs Manchester United Preview
Arsenal have crashed out in the FA Cup third round twice in the last three seasons, despite having lost only one of their previous 25 round three ties, so will the record-winners avoid yet another early exit? It's been a pretty miserable week for Gooners everywhere, with their hopes of winning two other competitions both having suffered enormous blows. Most-recently, on a very deflating Tuesday night, Mikel Arteta's team were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle at home in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, squandering numerous gilt-edged chances, ending the night with a gigantic 3.76 xG.
So, even with a second leg to come on Tyneside in February, most supporters are resigned to defeat. Three days earlier, the Gunners dropped yet more Premier League points, held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton, taking the lead through Ethan Nwaneri in Sussex, only to be pegged back by a very contentious penalty, to say the least. Thus, the overriding zeitgeist is that Arsenal's season is starting to fall apart, which is far from ideal timing, considering a North London derby is to come on Wednesday. With that in mind, Arteta's team can ill-afford to crash out of the FA Cup here.
As for Manchester United, this competition rather saved their season last time round, hoisting the trophy aloft for the 13th time, and they haven't crashed out in the third round as holders since historically being beaten by Harry Redknapp's third-tier Bournemouth 41 years ago. In the present day, fair to say Rúben Amorim's side are feeling a bit better about themselves, following last Sunday's well-earned 2-2 draw with run-away league-leaders Liverpool at Anfield.
Goals from Lisandro Martínez and Amad helping secure the draw, before Harry Maguire lashed a golden chance to snatch victory high into the Anfield Road Stand. Nevertheless, prior to this, the Red Devils had lost three successive Premier League games for the first time since Boxing Day 2016, losing five of their last seven overall, their sole league win since 1 December coming at the Etihad. So, can Man United claim another momentous victory on the road, thereby marching through to round four?
Arsenal vs Manchester United Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 211.
- Arsenal Wins: 90. Draws: 50. Manchester United Wins: 101.
Arsenal Team News
The hosts are without Takehiro Tomiyasu, Benjamin White, Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri, the teenager hobbling off at Brighton last weekend. In goal, given that he's cup-tied for the Carabao Cup, Neto is yet to debut, but the Brazilian could feature for Arsenal for the very first time, affording David Raya a breather. Elsewhere, Myles Lewis-Skelly got the nod over Riccardo Calafiori at left-back against Newcastle, so will he keep his place, or will Oleksandr Zinchenko be given a rare start? In Saka's continued absence, the question remains: who will deputise on the right-wing? Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are the candidiates.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Manchester United: (4-3-3): Neto; Timber, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Jorginho, Merino, Ødegaard; Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli.
Arsenal Player to Watch vs Manchester United
Kai Havertz returned up front on Tuesday, having missed the previous two matches due to illness, so will the German fire the Gunners into the next round?
Manchester United Team News
Having had a rare full week on the training ground, Ruben Amorim isn't likely to change much. Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelöf and Mason Mount are sidelined, while Marcus Rashford isn't likely to feautre, as he edged closer to a January departure. Reserve goalkeeper Altay Bayındır was not impressive at Spurs last month, so André Onana could continue to don the gloves. Lisandro Martínez and Kobbie Mainoo were suspended when Arsenal beat Man United in early-December, but both will start this time, and what a difference the pair make.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Arsenal: (3-4-3): Onana; de Ligt, Maguire, Martínez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Amad, Fernandes, Højlund.
Manchester United Player to Watch vs Arsenal
Bruno Fernandes has six goals to his name this season, while he's previously netted only once against Arsenal, hitting the post with a penalty at the Emirates in April 2022, so can he lead the Red Devils to victory in North London this time?
Arsenal vs Manchester United Prediction
We are backing Man United for victory in North London. Having had a week off, the Red Devils will be fresher and sharper, while Arsenal are drained of energy and devoid of attacking ideas. So, as the Gunners use the day to highlight their excellent No More Red campaign, we believe there will be no more Arsenal in the competition come Sunday evening: Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United.
Arsenal vs Manchester United FAQs - FA Cup
How to watch Arsenal vs Manchester United FA Cup game on TV channel?
Arsenal vs Manchester United FA Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: BBC1
- USA: ESPN+
- Canada: Sportsnet Now Plus
How to watch Arsenal vs Manchester United FA Cup game on live streaming?
Arsenal vs Manchester United FA Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: BBC iPlayer
- USA: ESPN+
- Canada: Sportsnet Now Plus
What is the date and kick-off time for Arsenal vs Manchester United in the FA Cup?
Arsenal vs Manchester United takes place on Sunday 12 January 2025, with kick off at 15:00 (GMT), 10:00 (EDT) & 7:00 (PST).