Arsenal’s quest for the Premier League title takes a crucial turn this Sunday as they face a Manchester United team grappling with internal struggles.

Reports of a leadership void within the United squad, exacerbated by Lisandro Martínez’s frequent absences, could provide a crucial opening for Arsenal as they seek a vital win.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Jonny Evans and Diogo Dalot of Manchester United react during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on May 06, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Jonny Evans and Diogo Dalot of Manchester United react during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on May 06, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Arsenal‘s nail-biting Premier League title chase takes them to a vulnerable Manchester United side this Sunday. As the Gunners seek a crucial win to keep pace with Manchester City, they may find an unexpected ally in United’s internal struggles.

Reports suggest that Manchester United‘s coaching staff are grappling with a perceived lack of leadership within the squad. The absence of defender Lisandro Martínez, a key vocal figure, has reportedly amplified the issue.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - MARCH 30: Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United looks on during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Manchester United at Gtech Community Stadium on March 30, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – MARCH 30: Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United looks on during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Manchester United at Gtech Community Stadium on March 30, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

This leadership void could prove crucial on Sunday. Arsenal, fuelled by their relentless pursuit of Manchester City, must capitalise on a potentially disjointed and demoralised United team. While Bruno Fernandes remains an on-field leader, Arsenal will aim to exploit any cracks in United‘s collective mentality. And he might not even be fit for Sunday after missing out on their 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday night.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06: A detailed view of the hand tattoo of Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on May 06, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 06: A detailed view of the hand tattoo of Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on May 06, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Harry Maguire will definitely miss the game due to a muscle injury sustained in training. Confirmed by Manchester United’s official website, Maguire is expected to be sidelined for about three weeks, putting him in doubt for the FA Cup final on May 25th.

United are hopeful that players like Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof, who are returning from injuries, will be fit for the remaining fixtures but there are no guarantees.

Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay also missed the match against Crystal Palace, although there is optimism from United they will recover in time for the weekend.

Tyrell Malacia is another player likely to miss the Arsenal game.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Arsenal.

A win at Old Trafford, coupled with a slip-up by Manchester City, could leave them one win from their title dreams.

Meanwhile, United face the prospect of further damage to an already disappointing season and a deepening leadership crisis under manager Erik ten Hag.

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