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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Tom Doyle

Man Utd vs Arsenal: Unai Emery explains Bukayo Saka, Mesut Ozil lineup decision

Unai Emery has backed Bukayo Saka to make an impression after naming the 18-year-old in Arsenal's starting lineup to face Manchester United tonight.

Saka has impressed since being promoted to Arsenal's first team this season, with a starring role in the Gunners' 3-0 Europa League win at Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 18-year-old becomes the youngest ever player to start a Premier League match between Arsenal and United, while Mesut Ozil is nowhere to be seen among the 18-man squad.

Regarding Saka's inclusion, Emery told Sky Sports: "He deserves it."

(REUTERS)

Ozil's future at Arsenal looks more uncertain than ever, with the playmaker failing to even make the bench for the Gunners despite his status as the club's highest-paid player.

Emery was coy when asked about the German's absence, merely saying: "Today I decide the team and the squad."

Full lineups

Man Utd: de Gea, Tuanzebe, Lindelof, Maguire, Young, McTominay, Pogba, Andreas Pereira, Lingard, James, Rashford

Subs: Mata, Rojo, Fred, Romero, Greenwood, Matic, Williams

Arsenal: Leno, Chambers, Sokratis, Luiz, Kolasinac, Torreira, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Pepe, Aubameyang, Saka

Subs: Ceballos, Maitland-Niles, Holding, Nelson, Martinez, Willock, Martinelli

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