Michael Carrick will take charge of Manchester United for the final time ahead of interim manager Ralf Rangnick’s reign as they host Arsenal in the Premier League
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Carrick says he’s yet to speak with incoming Man Utd boss Rangnick
Michael Carrick leads Manchester United for the third and final fixture of his brief caretaker spell as Arsenal come calling at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
The former England midfielder has done a fine job steadying the ship after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking in November, steering United to a 2-0 victory at Villarreal and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
He will hope to go out on a high note by securing a positive result in midweek, with Ralf Rangnick poised to take over after the clash with the north Londoners.
The German has been appointed interim manager until the end of the season and it is hoped he will finally be granted a work permit ahead of Sunday’s encounter with Crystal Palace.
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But in the meantime, United sorely need three points to lift them out of mid-table and back into the conversation for a top-four finish.
The Red Devils have won just one of their last eight Premier League fixtures and their most-recent home victory came almost three months ago.
While they have been sliding down the table, Arsenal have been moving in the other direction thanks to a run of seven victories in 10 games.
The Gunners certainly have the superior form ahead of Thursday’s blockbuster meeting, so Carrick will need to get his team selection just right.
He made the bold decision to drop Ronaldo to the bench against Chelsea, but the Portugal superstar is expected to lead the line against Mikel Arteta’s men.
He could be supported in attack by a resurgent Jadon Sancho on one flank and Marcus Rashford on the other, with Bruno Fernandes operating in the No.10 role.
Nemanja Matic was handed a rare start at Stamford Bridge and helped keep the Blues at bay for much of the match, but a change of shape to a 4-2-3-1 could see Fred partner Scott McTominay in central midfield.
How should Manchester United line up against Arsenal? Pick your starting XI below!
In defence, Carrick is still without the services of Raphael Varane, although he is making good progress rehabilitating from a thigh injury, while Harry Maguire has returned from a one-match suspension.
The club captain could line up with Victor Lindelof at centre-back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka to the right and Luke Shaw to the left, so long as the latter recovers from concussion.
David de Gea is almost certain to continue between the posts ahead of Dean Henderson.
Manchester United predicted XI to face Arsenal (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo.
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