After a downward decade Manchester United’s manager believes he is beginning to see his side emerge through the mirePerhaps, in many ways, it is fitting that the 2020s should begin for
Manchester United with a trip to Arsenal. The last decade began with United and
Arsenal second and third respectively in the
Premier League table, but having shared 11 of the first 12 Premier League titles, there were just two between them in the 2010s: the most recent of those going to United in 2013.
These are two sides who find themselves in transitional periods, of that there can be no question. Whether the 2020s can provide happier times remains to be seen, but for Ole Gunnar Solskjær at least, there are grounds for cautious optimism. United finished 2019 with back-to-back victories against Newcastle and Burnley and, unlike Wednesday’s opponents, are firmly in the race for the
Champions League places.