The longest-standing rivalry in English football, Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson will both be looking to their youth to win what looks like being one of the most open games between Arsenal and Manchester United in recent memory.

Frenemies Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger lock horns again for the umpteenth time at Old Trafford on Sunday, with both managers boasting the youngest squads of in recent seasons. Arsenal’s youth had previously been of Wenger’s own design, but following the sales of Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri the club is even short of players in the 23-25 years age-range and with no external replacements yet secured, all three have seen their places in the side go to young hopefuls. Sir Alex Ferguson saw the retirement of key players Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Edwin Van der Sar last season and rather than splash the cash on established internationals he’s instead called upon youngsters Tom Cleverley, Chris Smalling, David De Gea, Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck to plug the gaps.

Manchester United have started the season in flying form with two league wins and a Community Shield trophy and will have revenge on their mind following a narrow 1-0 defeat in the corresponding fixture last season, but in contrast to previous meetings between the two clubs, it’s expected that Sir Alex Ferguson will rely on the in-form Danny Welbeck, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Tom Cleverley to combat Arsenal’s inexperienced side rather than drawing for his workhorses Park Ji-Sung and the recently departed John O’Shea, although strong rumours abound that Darren Fletcher could be set for his long-awaited comeback to the side. Should Fletcher return to the squad as is being whispered then Arsenal will have a tough-time controlling the midfield with both Alex Song and his understudy Emmanuel Frimpong banned for The Gunners. It’s thought that Arsene Wenger could be ready to hand Johan Djourou the midfield role, one that the Swiss International has previously expressed an interest in playing.

The probing Manchester United displayed in their 3-0 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur on Monday evening indicates that this side has the patience and killer-instinct to break-down quality opposition and the budding relationship between front-four Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young and Nani will strive to keep the game in the wide areas where Arsenal may find themselves stretched once again for the lack of a recognised left-back. Arsenal centre-backs Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny have a tendency to approach possession to the detriment of holding the line and without the tireless closing of Song or Frimpong, United’s slick passing could easily find space in the box. Arsenal’s new Zonal Marking system this season has noticeably improved the club’s fortunes from set-plays but should Nani or Young be allowed behind their full-backs, a real danger for Arsenal, then balls across the box will be hard to cope with, especially considering the pairing of Rooney and Welbeck so technically adept with both feet and head.

In a genuine turn-up for the books, Arsenal will be hoping that the experienced Robin van Persie can pick-off the youthful central-defense of Jonny Evans/Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. Theo Walcott will have to fight tooth and nail for any joy against Patrice Evra, a job he’s found difficult in the past, but with Aaron Ramsey’s goal in last season’s fixture fresh in the minds of the United players, his connection with Walcott and van Persie through the middle could prove key as Arsenal aim to score their first goal of the Premier League season in their third game. Carl Jenkinson has been thrown in at the deep-end since signing from Charlton Athletic this summer but the right-back looks a natural Premier League player and will need to show again why Arsene Wenger has so much faith in him when he prepares to face a 90 minute assault likely to include Ashley Young, Nani, Patrice Evra and Ryan Giggs at various points in the game.

A lot has been made of David De Gea’s relatively inauspicious start to life in the Premier League and any early failures from the young Spaniard will likely incite nervousness in the United back-line which could see Jones and Evans/Smalling closing down Arsenal’s front-players to limit the shots from distance, which could play into the North London club’s hands with Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott more than willing to exploit any space between the defense and goalkeeper.

We expect to see an exciting, open game at Old Trafford on Sunday with both sides hoping to control possession and get the ball moving but with Manchester United’s confidence and strength-in-depth, they’re the more likely the find their rhythm early in the match. The suspensions of Alex Song, Emmanuel Frimpong and Gervinho could prove pivotal with Arsenal looking miles the better team when the trio were involved against Udinese on Wednesday as the budding partnership of Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck hope to make the most of the space in front of Arsenal’s defense. How do you see the game going? Vote for who you think will win and let us know what the score will be in the comment section if you’re feeling lucky.

Manchester United Vs Arsenal is live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1 at 15:30 Sunday 28 August.

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Tags: Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sports