Manchester United’s renaissance under Erik ten Hag faces its latest test as his side head to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
In a matter of months, Ten Hag has picked up the Red Devils following their worst ever Premier League season, to have them firmly in contention at the right end of the table. But in Arsenal, they face a side riding the crest of a wave and well on their way to a first league title in almost 20 years.
United are the only blot on the Gunners’ copybook having beaten them at Old Trafford in September. And they will need another positive result if they are to keep on the coat-tails of Mikel Arteta’s charges going into the second half of the season.
Ahead of the trip to the capital, Mirror Football takes a look at United’s final training sessions going into the game and what we spotted:
Sancho back in the mix
For all of United’s positive steps forward, getting Jadon Sancho fit and firing would see them improve even more. The former Borussia Dortmund superstar hasn’t featured since October, with Ten Hag claiming he wasn’t mentally or physically ready.
Sancho has since undergone a tailored training programme, away from his team-mates, but is now firmly back in the main group. The England international was all smiles during the session, but his manager has hinted that those expecting an imminent return may be waiting a little longer.
Asked when he could be included in the squad again, he said: "I can't answer that question. He's making the next step because he was for the first time in team training, we will extend that in the coming days, the coming week and then go step by step."
Fletcher barks instructions
Throughout the debacle that was Ralf Rangnick’s tenure as interim boss, the former United midfielder was often seen during sessions at Carrington. The current coaching setup have had no such issues getting their messages across to players, with leaks of training ground unhappiness a thing of the past.
But the club’s technical director was still present ahead of one of the biggest games of the season so far. Fletcher was seen on the edges of training drills, shouting instructions to players as they finalised their preparations.
Pellistri hopes for a chance
Speculation surrounding the future of Pellistri continues to swirl, with reports that he could be angling for a move ahead of the deadline. The Uruguayan has played just six minutes all season and his agent has claimed that without more regular football he will look to leave.
But the 21-year-old didn’t give off the impression of a sulking and disillusioned player, putting in the hard yards with the hope of catching the eye. He may have to wait for the cup competitions, but recent reports have claimed United want to keep him.
Garnacho all smiles
In contrast to Pellistri, Alejandro Garnacho is getting plenty of chances in the United first-team and has been one of the success stories of their season. The club’s top priority is tying the youngster to a new contract with Real Madrid sniffing.
Mirror Football understands an eight-year contract offer is on the table, with his advisors unwilling to commit to that length of deal. But those talks don’t appear to be having any impact on the young Argentine who looked happy and comfortable in his surroundings, threatening to throw a snowball at coach Steve McClaren.
Focus on Arsenal’s press
For all the laughing and joking during the session, there is an acceptance that winning away at Arsenal will be their toughest task of the campaign. The absence of Casemiro is a painful one for the Red Devils, who will need to win the midfield battle.
The Gunners have overwhelmed opponents with their suffocating press and ability to snatch the ball away in tight areas. That was clearly an area of emphasis for United, with the whole squad in drills which included fast, one-touch passing under constant pressure.
