Arsenal vs Manchester United | Tactical Analysis | FA Cup 2025

Both Arsenal and Manchester United enter this cup clash at the Emirates with poor form. Arsenal haven’t won their last two games, while United are winless in five. Injuries plague both sides: Arsenal are without Calafiori, Saka, White, Tomiyasu due to injury and Rice who is on the bench. While United miss Rashford, who is on the verge of leaving the club, Mount, Lindelof, and Shaw. Diallo is on the bench and repalced by Garnacho, Bayindir is United’s goalkeeper today, replacing Onana as usual in the FA Cup. Who will break their winless streak in this clash between Arsenal vs Manchester United and progress to the next round of the FA Cup?

Starting XI’s and Formations

Starting XI Arsenal (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Raya
• Defenders: Lewis-Skelly (LB), Gabriel (LCB), Saliba (RCB), Timber (RB)
• Midfielders: Merino (LCM), Jorginho (CDM), Odegaard (RCM)
• Forwards: Martinelli (LW), Havertz (CF), Gabriel Jesus (RW)

Key Notes:

• Arteta relies on a midfield trio of Merino, Jorginho, and Odegaard to control the game.
• Lewis-Skelly starts at left-back to cover for Calafiori’s absence.
• Havertz joins the forward line alongside Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus to compensate for Saka’s absence.
• Arteta plays his typical 4-3-3, for more about this formation, check out our blog: the 4-3-3 formation explained.

Starting XI Manchester United (3-4-2-1)

• Goalkeeper: Bayindir
• Defenders: Martinez (LCB), Maguire (CB), De Ligt (RCB)
• Wing-Backs: Dalot (RWB), Mazraoui (LWB)
• Central Midfielders: Mainoo, Ugarte
• Attacking Midfielders: Fernandes (LAM), Garnacho (RAM)
• Striker: Højlund

Key Notes:

• Amorim plays a back three with Maguire as the central figure, supported by Martinez and De Ligt.
• Mainoo and Ugarte form a solid midfield core for defensive cover and quick transitions.
• Garnacho and Fernandes provide creative flair behind Højlund, who leads the line.
• Amorim uses his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, which is becoming more popular nowadays. Read more about this formation in our blog: the 3-4-2-1 formation explained.

First-Half Analysis: Arsenal vs Manchester United

Possession and Control

In the first half of Arsenal vs Manchester United, Arsenal dominated possession with 60% of the ball compared to United’s 40%. This was reflective of the game’s pattern, with Arsenal holding the majority of the play, particularly in the midfield. Arsenal’s ability to control possession allowed them to dictate the tempo, while United remained compact and focused on defending.

Attacking Threat

While Arsenal controlled possession, they struggled to break down United’s defense. Despite creating several promising chances, they failed to register a shot on target. In contrast, Manchester United registered two shots on target from their limited attacking opportunities, the most notable being Garnacho’s counter-attack shot that was saved by Raya.

Arsenal’s Offensive Movement

Arsenal’s front three and their high pressing forced United to defend deep, but lack of clinical finishing kept the scoreline unchanged. Their attacking patterns, including some creative build-up play through Odegaard and Jesus, showed promise but failed to convert. A disallowed goal from Martinelli, offside from an intricate move, summed up Arsenal’s inability to capitalize on their dominance.

United’s Counter and Transition

United attempted to play on the counter but faced challenges with limited width. The wing-backs, Dalot and Mazraoui, played a more defensive role, which hindered United’s ability to stretch Arsenal’s defense. This meant that United had to rely on long balls and individual moments like Garnacho’s shot, but their attacking transitions lacked support and depth.

Set Pieces and Danger Areas

Both teams had moments with set pieces, but Arsenal’s corners remained a key area to watch, with United’s defense having to clear one dangerous ball from Timber and another corner late in the half. United’s defense, especially Martinez, was under pressure due to some tight marking and a yellow card, which could make him more cautious in the second half. Arsenal, too, had a dangerous free-kick opportunity, but Odegaard’s shot went over the bar.

Defensive Deadlock

Despite Arsenal’s dominant possession and high pressing, they struggled to break through United’s compact defense. On the other hand, United’s defense remained resilient but will need to improve in attack to create more scoring opportunities. They could do this by pushing Dalot and / or Mazraoui higher up the pitch to support the attacking line.

Full Time Analysis: Arsenal vs Manchester United

Arsenal’s Continued Domination and United’s Defensive Struggles

The second half was a continuation of Arsenal’s possession dominance, with 67% possession compared to United’s 33%. Arsenal’s high press forced United into a defensive shape that lacked width and depth, often leaving them with limited options when transitioning the ball. Despite United’s attempts to press higher early in the half, they found themselves mostly stuck defending in a compact 5-4-1 formation as Arsenal launched wave after wave of attacks. In the 61st minute, Dalot recieved his second yellow card, leaving Manchester United with 10 men on the pitch. Resulting in a 5-3-1 formation which often switched to a 5-4 formation to keep Arsenal from creating dangerous situations.

Arsenal’s Offensive Pressure

Arsenal’s attacks were relentless, and they generated numerous chances, especially from set-pieces and crosses into the box. Their possession and control of the game were evident in the stats: Arsenal had 39 touches in the penalty area compared to just 8 for United. Despite all this, they were unable to break through United’s defense, partially due to a brilliant performance from goalkeeper Bayindir, who made several key saves, including a penalty save from Ødegaard in the 72nd minute and a close distance save on Rice’s header in the 76th minute.

United’s Counterattacks

United had some success on the counter, particularly when Diallo came on, offering pace on the wings. However, their attacking opportunities were limited due to their lack of offensive depth and creativity, with only 33 final third entries compared to Arsenal’s 69. United’s main attacking threat came from quick counters, but without the support of their wing-backs or midfielders, they struggled to pose a serious danger.

Arsenal’s Chances vs United’s Defensive Resilience

Despite Arsenal’s clear offensive superiority (2.65 xG vs 0.15 xG for United), they were unable to capitalize on their many chances. United’s defense, strengthened by Bayindir’s heroic saves, held firm, but with only 3 shots on target compared to Arsenal’s 4, their lack of attacking depth left them with few real threats.

Extra Time and Penalties

In the extra time of Arsenal vs Manchester United, Arsenal controlled the game with 79% possession compared to United’s 21%. Arsenal had 3 shots on target vs Manchester United’s 1, this reflected in their higher xG of 0.59, while United’s xG was just 0.12. Despite sustained pressure from Arsenal, United’s defense held strong as they focused on keeping the score level, with both teams failing to score during extra time. Malacia was brought on to keep the dangerous bursts of Sterling down and avoid letting Arsenal score a goal.

United triumphed 3-5 in the penalty shootout after a tense 1-1 draw over 120 minutes. Havertz missed his penalty for Arsenal, and Zirkzee sealed the victory for United by converting their fifth penalty, securing their passage to the next round.

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