Man United get big double boost before Arsenal clash, One player remains sidelined

Manchester United travel to the Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026, to face Arsenal in a high-stakes Premier League showdown, seeking to build on their morale-boosting 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City.

Under interim manager Michael Carrick, who stepped in following Ruben Amorim's sacking earlier this month, United have shown renewed energy and tactical discipline.

This will be Carrick's first away game in his second stint as caretaker, and with the team battling to climb the table amid a transitional season, a positive result against title-chasing Arsenal could prove transformative. United's away form has been inconsistent, conceding in every road match this campaign, but their counter-attacking prowess offers hope against a dominant Gunners

side.

For Man United, the team news is largely positive, with no new injuries reported after the City win. Carrick confirmed the squad's readiness, stating in his press conference: "The boys came through it really well [last weekend]. It was big, there's no getting away from it, an emotional day, physically and mentally, and a big lift. In terms of the levels, it was huge but the boys came through it really well. They had a day or two to rest but trained really hard and well for a couple of days, and freshed up for the game, so we're in a good place. "

"The boys are in a really good place, off the back of last week. They're training really well, so I can see how much they're in it and focused and feed off the energy," he added.

Defensively, Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back injury, though progress is encouraging. Joshua Zirkzee, who missed the derby due to a knock, is also absent, with no further details on his recovery. On a brighter note, Noussair Mazraoui could return after international duty with Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, potentially bolstering the right-back position.

Who are back for Manchester United?

Noussair Mazraoui has returned to the squad after completing his stint with Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations. He is available for selection and could bolster the right-back or defensive options. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo are also available for them. Shea Lacey is eligible again after serving a one-match suspension. Core players like Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro MartÍnez, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Casemiro are fit and expected to feature, with no reported issues.