Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Manchester United could largely dominate proceedings at Old Trafford this evening, if the Red Devils nullify key midfield maestro Thomas Partey.
The Gunners travel north to face United this evening, with both sides looking to build on indifferent starts to the season amid their own aims to challenge for a top four spot respectively.
United, will be buoyed by an improved 1-1 away performance at league leaders Chelsea over the weekend, whilst Mikel Arteta's side arrival in the North West having easily dispatched of Newcastle United 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.
But ex-Arsenal forward Wright believes his former club will have to be wary of the often present 'new manager bounce' and also by restricting the good work Partey has shown he can produce over the past few weeks.
"I think people have recognised, especially against Newcastle the other day – Partey did 13 passes towards Martin Odegaard and people are starting to realise that he’s our main guy," Wright said on the Wrighty’s House podcast.
"If you stop Partey then I feel like, 'oh my gosh', with a Manchester United team at Old Trafford who probably won’t play with three in their midfield because they will want to go at us – there’s an energy.
"People have got to understand that there is a new manager bounce, whether it goes into games or whether it’s on the training ground – because you know there’s a new manager there.
"You want to make sure you’re one of the people who, when he comes in, he goes, ‘oh I like him,’ so everybody gets a fresh start.
"You look at Manchester United’s team and the players they are able to put out there, with a manager that is really focused on team shape, pressing and everything they’re going to do."
Caretaker boss Michael Carrick will over see the side for the final time this evening, as new manager Ralf Rangnick will take over until the end of the season, as was announced earlier this week.
The German, has been labelled the godfather of the popular tactic the 'gegenpress', citing Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp and Julian Naglesmann as his key proteges over the last decade.
