Hojlund says Man Utd need to be focused on one 'key' area in Arsenal clash

Rasmus Højlund has urged Manchester United to be "sharp" at defending set-pieces as they prepare to face Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

The match comes just a month after the two sides clashed in the Premier League, with Arsenal securing a 2-0 victory in London.

Goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba came courtesy of excellent corner deliveries from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal boast the best set-piece record in the Premier League this season, making them a formidable threat in dead-ball situations.

Meanwhile, United have struggled in this area, conceding more set-piece goals than any other team in the league except Wolves.

Manager Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff have been working hard to address this vulnerability ahead of the FA Cup tie.

Speaking to club media, Højlund acknowledged the need to learn from their previous encounter with Arsenal and emphasized the importance of set-piece organization.

“It’s a tough opponent and an away game, but we’re going to go for it. The Emirates is a nice stadium with a great pitch,” Højlund said. “I had my debut there, so it’s a special place for me. I’m looking forward to it.

“It can be an advantage that we played there recently, but only if we get it right. I think we need to be sharp at set-pieces. They’ve been very good in that area, and they scored twice from set-pieces last time. So, we need to stay very focused, keep improving, and follow the manager’s instructions. If we do that, I think we’ll be good.”

Højlund also highlighted the significance of United’s loyal supporters, with around 8,000 fans expected to travel to the Emirates for Sunday’s game.

“I think both at home and away, the fans are amazing, but especially away, they’re very, very good,” he said. “At home, we have the crowd behind us, but away, you can always hear our fans, and that’s special.

“When you go to a place like the Emirates, where they also have a lot of fans, it’s even more important to feel that support. They’re very, very important.”

United enter the FA Cup as defending champions after their memorable victory over Manchester City in last season’s final at Wembley, Erik ten Hag’s final trophy with the club.

This year’s competition looks highly competitive, with bookmakers ranking Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle as stronger favorites than United. The FA Cup final is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, with the Red Devils aiming to keep their title defense alive by overcoming a tough Arsenal side this weekend.