Man Utd v Arsenal – Match Facts

Facts and figures ahead of the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford.

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal trio Alex Song, Gervinho andEmmanuel Frimpong are suspended. Jack Wilshere saw a specialist on Friday but the club are still waiting for an update on his ankle injury which is expected to keep him out for three more weeks. Nicklas Bendtner is sidelined with an ankle problem and Sebastien Squillaci is also out, along withKieran Gibbs (hamstring) and Abou Diaby(ankle). Defender Thomas Vermaelen will have a fitness test on Saturday but is expected to be fit and Laurent Koscielnycame through a similar check on his back problem on Friday morning.

Midfielder Darren Fletcher will return to the squad. The Scottish international has been suffering from virus which limited him to just two appearances between March and May last season and has so far kept him out of United’s side this term. Rio Ferdinand andAntonio Valencia are back in training butNemanja Vidic will be absent for another month.

MANAGER QUOTES

Sir Alex Ferguson on Arsene Wenger’s critics: “I would like to know who is going to replace him. The work he has done in the 15 years he has been at the club is the best in Arsenal’s history. Yes, he has not won a trophy for six years but what does that mean? The quality of his side has not been reduced.”

Arsene Wenger: “I will try to strengthen the squad in depth because at the moment we are a bit short number-wise but if we get two or three players in we have the quality to challenge. I am anxious yes because I want to do it and I try everything to do it. But I am confident as well because we have some good young players who can make a big step very quickly.”

MATCH FACTS

Arsenal haven’t failed to score in their opening three league games since the 1953-54 season.

Arsenal have scored just eight goals in 19 Premier League visits to Old Trafford.

Man Utd have won six and lost one of their last eight matches against Arsenal in all competitions.

Arsenal have won only four of the last 18 Premier League meetings with Man Utd.

Wayne Rooney has scored in three of his last five appearances against Arsenal and missed a penalty.

Arsenal have won just two of their last 13 Premier League matches.

Arsenal have taken 13 points from the last 13 games – the worst run under Wenger. The last time the Gunners had a worse run was in 1995.

In the last 10 games Howard Webb has officiated at Old Trafford he has awarded five penalties to Man Utd, including one in each game when Arsenal were the visitors.

United have won 21 and lost none of their last 22 Premier League matches at Old Trafford.

Arsenal have won just one of their last eight Premier League away matches, versus relegated Blackpool.

Man Utd have posted the best shooting accuracy in the Premier League so far, hitting the target with 58% of their shots.

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