FA Cup Quarter Final: Manchester United vs Arsenal Combined XI

It’s that time again. Yes, one of the most decorated football rivalries goes head to head once more. Manchester United take on Arsenal at Old Trafford in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and believe you me, it’s going to be a spectacle. These two sides may have fallen from their once formidable former selves, but, the rivalry sure does remain intact. Neither manager can afford to lose this hotly debated encounter between the two teams as pressure continues to rise to deliver.Here is a combined XI of Manchester United-Arsenal, which one’s do you agree or disagree with? Let us know in the comments.

#1 David De Gea

The man who has single-handedly kept Manchester United in the top four, David De Gea has been in scintillating form for the Red Devils and is in with a shout for PFA Player of the Year.

It can be said that his counterpart, Ospina, has been underwhelming given his courageous efforts in the World Cup for Colombia.

Time after time, De Gea produces majestic saves to keep Louis van Gaal’s men in with a shout. I expect no different from him in tomorrow’s game, either, as he continues to show why he’s one of the best GK’s in the World.

#2 Antonio Valencia

One of the most versatile players in the Premier League, Antonio Valencia slots in at right-back after his consistently solid performance for Manchester United.

By trait, he’s not a right-back, but, like Ashley Young, he’s found new depths under Louis van Gaal’s managing and cemented his place in the current XI. He has forced Rafael out of the side, which was not an easy feat, with this matured approach to the game this season.

Going forward, as usual, he’s a threat – but his strongest play this season has been his defensive work, in particular, his performance against Champions, Manchester City, was a highlight. With more wisdom to his game, he has become far more composed, something he’ll need against the likes of Sanchez and Ozil.

#3 Laurent Koscielny

Arguably one of the most under-rated centre-backs out there, Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny has consistently been a solid option for Arsene Wenger this season.

Over the last few seasons, it was Per Mertesacker who was head and shoulders above Koscielny, but now, he has come into his own. The French international has put in assured performances for the Gunners and shows how not to be bullied by attacks and giving the ball away.

Arsenal’s defence have lacked confidence at times this season, but Koscielny is always the one who seems to resolute his own self-assurance onto others and motivates the team. He’s a natural leader and Manchester United will find it increasingly hard to get the better of Koscielny.

#4 Marcos Rojo

One of the overall better buys from Manchester United in the summer, recruiting Argentinian based Marcos Rojo from Sporting Lisbon. A cut price of £16 million is a bargain for what they’ve got out of him.

Composure, physicality and decision-making are a few traits to be said to describe the central defender. Many questioned his ability as he was labelled ‘the weak link’ in Argentina’s World Cup XI. However, I think it’s fair to say he has disproved many opinions given the fact he’s bene the most reliable defender of this Louis van Gaal side.

He’s not only a brute force, but can also be threatening in the air, as proven with his goal vs Cambridge. He’ll be one for Arsenal to watch and could prove to be the dark horse of the season.

#5 Kieran Gibbs

The English full-back is having a stellar season for the Gunners and warrants another England call-up. However, he is now trying to call the number 3 shirt his own.

Linking up with Sanchez has been effective for Arsenal as they continually attempt to attack down the left-hand-side with Gibbs overlapping the Colombian.

It’s been a topsy-turvy season for Arsene Wenger’s men, but Gibbs has stood out as one of the most consistent players for them. If he continues to show this level of unfluctuating performances, he will surely be England’s first choice of left-back.

#6 Daley Blind

Daley Blind – known mostly as the player who delivered that superb ball to Robin van Persie in the 2014 World Cup – is another player who came at a cut price of £14 million to Manchester United.

Similar to Michael Carrick, he sits and waits for trouble in front of the defence. Blind has a great tactical mind who reads what’s in front of him like a book, and when asked of, can crucially break play down.

Also popping up with a couple of goals – notoriously against West Ham – son of Danny Blind, Daley, shows that he’s not just a one trick pony. A silent figure on the football field, much like Paul Scholes, but is done what’s asked of him to the highest of levels.

#7 Ander Herrera

The almost forgotten man at Old Trafford this season, Ander Herrera, ironically, has been the player to give the Red Devils the impetus that they’re so desperately lacking.

Baffled and flabbergasted are the United fans as to why the Spaniard hasn’t been starting when every time he does, he gives them that needed energy.

It’ll be a hotly contested battle in the middle of the park, but one of Herrera’s stronger characteristics is his ability to break up the play and distribute wisely. He’s already shown this season he is cool under pressure and he’ll need to be in this quarter-final.

#8 Santi Cazorla

Santi Cazorla’s finest performance of the season came against champions Manchester City where he exhibited his superb technique, tenacity and willpower to not give up – shown in his dribbling.

Underrated by many, the Spaniard provides Arsenal with an outlet and can turn defence into attack very, very swiftly. With one pass, he can cut defences apart and provide that killer ball.

Cazorla is very clever with the ball, rarely giving it away, he reminds me of someone who belongs to the Pep Guardiola-managed Barcelona side. Not to mention his free-kick taking, Manchester United must keep a thought in their mind not to give away too many fouls given the deadly precision of Cazorla from close range.

#9 Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez is arguably the best signing of the summer for a price tag of €30m. He’s virtually carried Arsenal through the season and into 3rd position, the Chilean has been deadly in all aspects.

Under Wenger, he has been used as a winger and a striker, and his versatility has been the key for the style that Arsenal are playing. His pace, close dribbling and sheer determination gives him an edge over any defender, he should not be underestimated.

Providing Arsenal with 18 goals and 8 assists in all competitions, the Chilean continues to show his brilliance to the fans’ excitement. What Sanchez does so well is that he may start on the left, but can easily drift in to the middle of the park without the defender knowing. He’s silent but deadly.

#10 Wayne Rooney

The Manchester United captain has gone through dry spells and purple patches this season, but he continually gives his best to the team and it shows.

Under Louis van Gaal’s command, Wayne Rooney has been deployed mostly as a midfielder and it’s clear to see that we’re not seeing the best of him in that role. However, in recent weeks, the Dutch manager has reintroduced the England captain as a number 9.

For all parties, it’s worked for the better. Rooney’s back in great form scoring 2 goals against Sunderland – something we’ve seen him doing week in week out. The greatest thing about Wayne is that even when not at 100%, he’s good enough to produce a piece of magic when needed to.

#11 Ashley Young

Revitalised by van Gaal’s methods and style of play, Ashley Young has been one of United’s best players this season, which is surprising given the list of stars in the squad.

A winger by trait, Young has been deployed down the left-hand-side all season and is proving to everyone that he is getting back to his best and shouldn't be ruled out.

It’ll be an interesting battle to see whether Young can get the better of his defender, and with the form the Englishman is currently in, you wouldn't put it past him to beat him with ease.

The formation used is 4-3-2-1: