August 27th 2023.
Gary Neville is expecting a big test for Manchester United when they visit Arsenal next week. Speaking on his podcast, the former United player commented on the current state of both teams.
"They're at different stages," Neville said. "Arsenal are expected to challenge for the league with the business they have done. There's a lot of pressure on Kai Havertz but give the lad a chance and let him settle into the team."
The pundit believes Mikel Arteta's experiment with the team's formation is not working. "I would say that for me, looking at Arsenal, there is this element of experimentation. Full-backs think they can play midfield, midfielders think they can play at full back," he said.
"Thomas Partey is playing half-and-half in a game. Sometimes you need to go back to basics. I'd expect next week Mikel Arteta is going to end that experiment and go with a solid back four."
Neville believes that Arsenal need to find balance in their team. "Move Partey into midfield with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Get back to something which resembles what a team should look like. Balance in a team is very important. Innovation is fantastic but sometimes something that started as a good idea evolves into something which doesn't work."
Turning his attention to Manchester United, Neville warned them to raise their game for the upcoming fixture. "United are decent on the counter-attack but it is a big test for them. Their performances so far this season have been below par. If you're below par at the Emirates you will get beaten. United have to rise and raise their game, but Arsenal need to sort themselves out too."
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