Arsenal vs. Manchester United: Combined XI | Premier League 2020-21

Midfield: Thomas Partey (Arsenal), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Bruno Fernandes is an obvious pick for this team

Manchester United and Arsenal both possess some outstanding midfielders, meaning some excellent players – some of whom have impressed massively in 2020-21 – miss out on this side.

In terms of a defensive midfielder, Manchester United possess two potential candidates in the form of Scott McTominay and Fred. Of those two, it’s a close call.

Fred scores more highly in terms of tackles and interceptions per game. This suggests he’s better at breaking up opposition play than McTominay, who is better in the air and has a slightly better passing range. He’s also scored two goals this season to Fred’s none.

However, Arsenal’s Thomas Partey is probably the best choice for this spot. The native of Ghana has only just begun his career with the Gunners with eight appearances to his name thus far, but his previous stint at Atletico Madrid marked him out as one of the world’s best holding midfielders.

And Partey also possesses a range of passing and an ability to bring the ball forward that his two United counterparts don’t. We haven’t seen the best of him at Arsenal yet, but he’s worthy of a spot here.

In the two more advanced midfield spots, United’s duo of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba get the nod.

It probably would’ve been impossible to exclude Fernandes from this side. The Portuguese has made a massive impact on United’s fortunes since his arrival in January 2020, to the point that he’s been compared with the legendary Eric Cantona.

Fernandes delivered eight goals and seven assists in just 14 matches last season, and has already bettered that in the current campaign with 11 goals and seven assists. The Portuguese is United’s creative hub, and without him, they often look lost.

Emile Smith Rowe has impressed for Arsenal in a similar position, but right now he’s not in Fernandes’ league.

As for Pogba, who is one of the most divisive figures in the Premier League right now, his recent performances speak for themselves.

The Frenchman does have games where he’s less effective, but in a more advanced role, he’s been fantastic this season. His recent goals against Burnley and Fulham won United some absolutely vital points, and when he’s at his best, few players match him for athleticism and skill.