“I believe that he’ll be able to prove himself against the Gunners. He hasn’t been on top of his game lately but his play style would definitely give Arsenal players issues on the pitch” – This is according to Rio Ferdinand as he tells Amorim to give Manchester United’s underperforming star who was once a target for Arsenal, the chance to prove himself.

Manchester United kick off their FA Cup title defense on Sunday with a challenging away fixture against Arsenal, one of the toughest draws they could have faced.

The Emirates Stadium will host the clash between the two most successful teams in the competition’s history. United will aim to avenge their recent Premier League loss to the Gunners while setting the tone for another promising cup campaign.

Last season’s FA Cup triumph provided a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing year for United. Their 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Wembley, courtesy of goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, was a memorable high.

Team News for United vs. Arsenal

United manager Ruben Amorim has a few selection headaches heading into the fixture. The biggest concern is the fitness of star attacker Amad Diallo, who recently signed a new contract but is battling a minor injury. While Amorim remains optimistic about his availability, nothing is guaranteed.

Defensively, United will be without Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans, both ruled out due to ongoing fitness issues. England internationals Luke Shaw and Mason Mount also remain sidelined, with Shaw absent since December 1 and Mount last featuring against Manchester City later that same month.

Adding to Amorim’s challenges, Marcus Rashford is also unavailable after missing the previous weekend’s draw with Liverpool due to illness. With Rashford out, the spotlight may fall on either Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee to lead the attack, and the latter could present an intriguing option.

Why Zirkzee Could Start Against Arsenal

Joshua Zirkzee’s time at Old Trafford has been mixed. The 23-year-old has faced criticism from sections of the fanbase, most notably being jeered off the pitch in a Premier League match against Newcastle. Despite these challenges, Zirkzee has shown flashes of brilliance, including a standout performance against Everton, where he scored twice in a 4-0 win.

Zirkzee’s track record speaks volumes. A Champions League winner with Bayern Munich in 2020, he was named Serie A Young Player of the Year last season during his stint with Bologna. His statistics from the 2023/24 campaign highlight his potential: 15 goal contributions, 11 big chances created, and 4.1 duels won per game, according to Sofascore. His ability to drop deep, link play, and create space could make him a valuable asset against Arsenal’s defensive duo of William Saliba and Gabriel.

Interestingly, Zirkzee was on Arsenal’s radar last summer before United secured his signature. Sky Sports reported the Gunners were monitoring him closely, but United acted quickly to bring him to Old Trafford.

The Emirates: A Stage for Redemption

This match offers Zirkzee a chance to shine in a high-stakes environment. His intelligent movement and playmaking ability could disrupt Arsenal’s defensive structure, opening up opportunities for teammates. If he can replicate performances like his dominant display against Everton, Zirkzee could not only help United advance in the FA Cup but also prove why he was worth the investment.

While Zirkzee’s consistency remains a work in progress, Sunday’s showdown at the Emirates is the perfect stage for the Dutch striker to remind fans and critics alike of his quality—and perhaps leave Arsenal ruing the opportunity they missed.