Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from Old Trafford as Manchester United welcome Arsenal. This match has, since the late 1990s, always been important in terms of the title race, but in all honesty, only Arsenal from these two sides have a realistic chance of winning the league this season. It is vital for Man United, however, as they attempt to stay in the top-four race.

Man United will enter this match in sixth position in the Premier League courtesy of West Ham United's 1-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday, but the Red Devils remain six points off fourth-place Manchester City, who do not play in the league this weekend. As for Arsenal, they remain third, but are now five points behind the leaders Leicester City, who scored late to beat Norwich City 1-0 on Saturday.

Kickoff at Old Trafford this afternoon is not actually for another two hours (2.05pm UK time), but be sure to remain with me for all of the build-up and pre-match talk. The vital team news is expected to land within the next hour and it would be fair to say that Man United are struggling to put a side out at the moment! The injury-bug has left Van Gaal feeling awfully queasy it must be said!

Regardless of what it means in terms of the Premier League table, fixtures between Man United and Arsenal are always special. They always mean something and despite not being close in terms of geography, these two clubs just do not like each other. It is not quite the days of Roy Keane against Patrick Vieira, which were serious battles, but the rivalry between Manchester and London is still there.

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Man United will have revenge on their mind in this match after suffering a 3-0 defeat at the Emirates earlier this season. That particular game was actually all over inside 19 minutes, with Alexis Sanchez scoring twice and Mesut Ozil also on the scoresheet for the Gunners. Man United recovered to produce a solid second-half performance in the capital, but the damage had already been done.

That Arsenal victory earlier this season actually ended a run of eight Premier League matches without a win for the Gunners against Man United. Arsene Wenger's side have won none and lost six of their last eight league visits to Old Trafford, however, with their last league success in this ground coming in the 2006-07 campaign. That said, they did win 2-1 at Man United in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup last term.

Last season's Premier League match at Old Trafford, meanwhile, finished 1-1. Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera sent the home team into a 30th-minute lead, but a Tyler Blackett own-goal in the 82nd minute saw Man United miss the chance to jump above the Gunners in the table. Both managed top-four finishes last term, but Man United have a serious task on their hands this season.

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It would be fair to say that it has been a difficult season for Man United boss Van Gaal, but the Dutchman has seen his team record two strong wins in their last two matches. On Monday, the Red Devils booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 3-0 victory at Shrewsbury Town, before securing a last-16 spot in the Europa League courtesy of a 5-1 win over FC Midtjylland on Thursday night.

When Anthony Martial pulled up in the warm-up for the Europa League clash, suddenly Man United's task became a lot harder. The pressure increased when Pione Sisto made it 1-0 to the visitors in the first period to make it 3-1 on aggregate, but the hosts hit back with five unanswered goals in what was a very impressive performance. Joe Riley made his full debut at left-back, while there was also a debut for Marcus Rashford and the 18-year-old striker became an instant hero with two goals.

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The night belonged to Memphis Depay, however, who has had to put up with a lot of criticism over the last couple of months. The Dutchman was in sensational form against Midtjylland - capping a five-star display with a wonderful goal late on. The attacker is expected to start again this afternoon, but Hector Bellerin has been one of the best right-backs in the league this season.

Skipper Wayne Rooney head-lines what is a star-studded injury list for Man United and they will once again have a patched-up side for this match. Michael Carrick and Daley Blind started at centre-back on Thursday and two midfielders in defence showed for the opening goal. Marcos Rojo did return in the second period, however, and could well find himself in the starting XI for this match.

As for Arsenal, they will also enter this match off the back of a European fixture during the week. While Man United will be full of confidence, the Gunners were beaten 2-0 by Barcelona at the Emirates in the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League. Now, do not get me wrong, I am not comparing Midtjylland to Barcelona for one minute, but it was still a disappointing result for Arsenal.

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was the surprise starter for Arsenal in the Champions League, with the midfielder picked over Theo Walcott. Olivier Giroud drew more criticism for a lacklustre performance, but the Frenchman is expected to start here at the top of the attack. Throw in Sanchez and Ozil and Arsenal have a lot of players that could hurt an injury-hit Man United here.

As touched upon, both teams are also chasing FA Cup glory this season. Man United will play at home to West Ham United in the quarter-finals, while Arsenal will face Watford at home providing that they come through a replay against Championship Hull City, which is hardly a given. The fixtures are starting to pile up and Wenger might need to start prioritising certain competitions.

Both of these sides also have mid-week Premier League fixtures. Man United will welcome Watford to Old Trafford on Wednesday, while Arsenal will host Swansea City. Both will fancy their chances of collecting all the points in those matches, which makes this clash even more important. It could be a springboard towards the title (Arsenal) or the start of a strong push for fourth spot (Man United).

Man United will then go to West Bromwich Albion next weekend and in truth, they should be picking up all the points in that one. Arsenal, meanwhile, have the small matter of the London derby away to Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday afternoon. Those matches are always important, but I am struggling to think of a London derby, certainly in recent years, as important as that one!

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Incidentally, Tottenham will also kick off at 2.05pm this afternoon at home to Swansea. Spurs were also in European action during the week – securing their spot in the last-16 stage with a 3-0 home win over Fiorentina. It will be interesting to see how both Man United and Arsenal, and indeed also Spurs, perform this afternoon off the back of difficult European ties. Team news is imminent here!

There are some slight murmurings that Chris Smalling will be fit to return for Man United this afternoon, in addition to David de Gea. Martial's return, if it happens, could come from the bench, however. Arsenal will definitely be without Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is sidelined with a knee problem.

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Burnley midfielder Joey Barton is settling down for the action.

Good Super Sunday today. Will Thursday nights exertion in the Europa League cost Liverpool and Man United today? — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) February 28, 2016

PIC: @AnderHerrera - scorer of #mufc's 4th goal on Thursday night - arrives at Old Trafford. Team news coming soon. pic.twitter.com/44DdFLorLY — Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 28, 2016

BREAKING! David de Gea is back in the Man United XI. Full teams to follow!

TEAMS:

UNITED: De Gea; Varela, Carrick, Blind, Rojo; Schneiderlin, Herrera; Lingard, Mata, Memphis; Rashford

ARSENAL: Cech; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Ramsey; Walcott, Ozil, Sanchez; Welbeck

As mentioned, De Gea is back in the Man United XI this afternoon, but there is no Anthony Martial or Chris Smalling, who have failed to make the squad. Marcos Rojo comes in at left-back, while Marcus Rashford keeps his spot in the final third. A young bench includes Timothy Fosu-Mensah.

As for Arsenal, Gabriel Paulista has returned at centre-back, while Theo Walcott replaces the injured Oxlade-Chamberlain on the right of midfield. There is also a start for former Man United striker Danny Welbeck, who is selected ahead of Giroud in the final third of the field.

So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now under an hour away from kickoff at Old Trafford. The atmosphere is already building inside the stadium and soon both sides will be out to undergo their warm-up. It is a beautiful playing surface at Old Trafford, which favours Arsenal as much as it does Man United. Let's hope that this match lives up to the pre-game billing!

Right, let's take a closer look at how both teams have performed this season, starting with Man United. There is just no getting away from the fact that it has been a very poor league campaign for the Red Devils, who have earned fewer points (41) from 26 league games than in any other Premier League season.

What's more, Man United's total of 33 goals scored at this stage of the season is their lowest since the 1989-90 campaign. Wayne Rooney started to add here or there before picking up a knee problem, while Martial has been impressive without really turning into a consistent scorer. It will come as no surprise that all of Leicester, Spurs, Arsenal and Man City have scored more league goals than Man United this season and so have the likes of West Ham, Watford and Everton.

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The Red Devils have only shipped 24 goals, however, which is up there with the best record in the division, which belongs to Spurs (20). That decent defensive record has been put down to Van Gaal's negative tactics, but they have scored eight times in their last two games in all competitions, albeit against poorer opposition than they will face this afternoon. This is obviously a step up in class!

It is actually 15 days since Man United last competed in the Premier League – losing 2-1 at Sunderland to further harm their chances of finishing in the top four. That defeat was their seventh in the league this season and they have only won 11 times, which is just not good enough. To put that into perspective, Watford and Stoke City had both won 11 league games entering this weekend.

Man United's league season actually started with three clean sheets and seven points, while they only lost one of their first seven league fixtures. Then came the defeat at Arsenal, but once again, they responded pretty well. The period that really hurt them was between November 28 and January 1, when they only won one from eight and suffered three defeats in the process.

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It had been thought that Van Gaal would be sacked following the 2-0 loss at Stoke on Boxing Day, which was a third successive league defeat, but the Dutchman remained in his post. There have been two more league defeats in 2016 – at home to Southampton on January 23 and away to Sunderland last time out. Too many poor performances from Man United this season.

They also bowed out in the group stages of the Champions League after failing to make it through a section that included PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow. The less said about that particular campaign the better, but Man United still have a chance of European success this season and winning the Europa League would actually secure a Champions League spot for next season.

Fresh from his stunning #mufc debut, Marcus Rashford plays his first @premierleague game this afternoon. Good luck! pic.twitter.com/ZMemPhcxqj — Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 28, 2016

As for Arsenal, their record from 26 league matches reads won 15, drawn six and lost five. They have hit 41 goals this season and conceded 23 times. The Gunners are actually the lowest scorers in the top four at the moment, which is a surprise when considering their talent in the final third. The next few weeks will determine whether it is going to be a serious league challenge for the capital side or another top-four finish, which has been ever-present under Wenger!

Arsenal incredibly opened their 2015-16 Premier League season with a 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham but they then won three of their next four before losing at Chelsea. That defeat sparked a five-game winning run before they drew at home to Spurs on November 8. Defeat at West Brom followed and the month then ended with a 1-1 draw at Norwich. Kickoff is in just over 15 minutes at Old Trafford!

The Gunners suffered their fourth league defeat of the season at Southampton on Boxing Day, but that loss was surrounded by wins. Four victories from five matches made it a strong December, before starting 2016 with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United. Wenger's side did fail to win in the league between January 13 and February 2, however, which included a 1-0 loss at home to Chelsea.

Back-to-back wins have got their title challenge back on track, however, as a late Danny Welbeck header secured a 2-1 victory over Leicester in their last league match on February 14. The attention of both of these clubs has had to switch to other competitions over the last two weeks, but there is no settling back into league matters for either – it is going to be full throttle here and I cannot wait.

HOME FORM VERSUS AWAY FORM! Man United have won six of their 12 home league matches this season, drawing four times and losing twice in the process. They have only shipped five goals, however, which is the best defensive home record in the league. Arsenal, meanwhile, have won seven of their 13 away games this term, drawing three and losing three. That said, the Gunners have only been victorious in two of their last seven league games on the road.

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A reminder of the two teams for this match...

UNITED: De Gea; Varela, Carrick, Blind, Rojo; Schneiderlin, Herrera; Lingard, Mata, Memphis; Rashford

ARSENAL: Cech; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Ramsey; Walcott, Ozil, Sanchez; Welbeck

KICKOFF! Here we go then - the time for talking is over. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It is Man United against Arsenal in the Premier League, which needs no introduction! The away side get the first 45 minutes underway at OT...

... it must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon, with both sets of supporters in fine voice. Theo Walcott has already managed to break away down the right and deliver into Welbeck, but the striker's shot never had enough pace to beat the returning De Gea.

Depay shows nice feet down the left before cutting inside and delivering, but Arsenal manage to clear the danger. As expected, the visitors are attempting to play on the counter and they have plenty of pace in the final third. You sense that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital.

Ramsey looks to release Walcott over the top, but Varela is on the cover to clear ahead of Sanchez. Shouts of 'Arsenal, Arsenal' come from the away fans as the visiting side put the pressure on.

SAVE! The first clear chance falls to Arsenal as Ozil delivers a super pass into Monreal, but the left-back cannot beat De Gea from close range. Should have been 1-0 Arsenal there.

BOOKING! Varela (Man United) is booked for fouling Sanchez.

Gabriel gets his head to an Ozil free kick as Arsenal threaten once again, but Blind clears at the far post when it looked to be dropping just behind. Not too much from Man United in the final third.

Bit of possession for Man United in the last couple of moments, but Arsenal are shifting across the pitch and looking pretty comfortable. The tempo needs to be a little bit quicker from the hosts.

Man United have a free kick just outside the box as Rashford is brought down by Gabriel in a wide position. It was very close to the box, but the referee looked to make just the right call there...

... SAVE! Depay's powerful strike is well held by Cech!

Much better from Man United in the last couple of minutes, but they do not look comfortable at the back every time Arsenal break forward and deliver into tight areas. Still goalless at Old Trafford.

Bit of a battle going on at the moment here...

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Man United are dropping very deep at the moment, which is allowing Arsenal plenty of possession in forward areas. This is down to Man United's lack of pace at the back and Arsenal's blistering attack. Sanchez has a go from just inside the box, but his effort on the volley was always wide.

Memphis again breaks away down the left and attempts to deliver from a wide position, but the Dutchman cannot find a teammate. Bellerin is having some problems with the attacker here!

BOOKING! Carrick (Man United) is booked for a late challenge on Welbeck.

Ozil delivers a dangerous free kick into the Man United box, but the offside flag is raised, which is lucky for Man United because De Gea came and did not get there ahead of Sanchez!

Well, considering the injuries that Man United have, this has been pretty good from the home side in the opening 26 minutes. Arsenal look more dangerous, but that was to be expected here.

Carrick does well to pick the pocket of Welbeck, but the midfielder then gives it away and Arsenal are back on the attack here. Just a few signs that Arsenal are warming to their task in this match.

Memphis has been more than willing to track back in this match, which has been excellently received by the home supporters. It is safe to say that the Dutchman is feeling better about himself at the moment. Just the one clear chance in the opening 30 minutes here and that came for Monreal.

Oh would you believe it! Would you believe it! Man United lead in the 29th minute and it is Rashford! A super ball from Varela fell into the path of Rashford, who fired it straight into the top corner!

Goodness me. Oh my word. You cannot write it! Man United have their second of the match and again it is Rashford as the new hero heads a cross from Lingard into the bottom corner!

You cannot write scripts like this? You just can't. Rashford has scored twice inside three minutes for Man United, who lead Arsenal 2-0 in this key match. Wenger just cannot believe it on the sideline!

Memphis hammers one into the stands for Man United, but the supporters do not mind!

Half-chance for Arsenal as Welbeck works the ball into Ozil, but Blind is on hand to make a fine challenge. A response for the visitors in this first period would set the game up nicely for the second 45 minutes and Arsenal will still feel that they can undo this patched-up Man United defence.

Mata, who is full of beans at the moment, combines with Rashford as Man United threaten once again, but the return pass was just too strong and it goes behind for a dead-ball. Arsenal are still seeing plenty of the possession, but De Gea has not been tested since that early Monreal chance.

Arsenal are back in the game here as Welbeck heads an Ozil free kick into the bottom corner. Not sure about the defending from the home side, but what an important goal for Arsenal.

It is vital that Man United do not concede another goal in the latter stages of this first period. I would be astounded, however, if we had seen the last of the goals at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Arsenal have a free kick in a very dangerous area just outside the Man United box...

... Ozil fires straight into the wall, before Memphis blocks Sanchez's effort behind.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Man United leading 2-1 at Old Trafford. A double from Rashford left the Red Devils two goals ahead in the 32nd minute, but Welbeck's leader late in the first period has given Arsenal real hope ahead of the second 45.

STATS! Arsenal have shaded the possession at Old Trafford with 54%, while they have had seven attempts - two of which have been on target. Man United, meanwhile, have hit the target with three of their four attempts. Two bookings to report - Varela and Carrick for the home team.

BENCH WATCH! Man United's injury list has left them seriously short of options, but Van Gaal has Januzaj and Andreas Pereira among his substitutes this afternoon. Arsenal, meanwhile, have attacking options in the shape of Joel Campbell, Olivier Giroud and Alex Iwobi.

What a half it was been for Marcus Rashford. Two goals on his Europa League debut on Thursday and now two goals on his Premier League debut. What a story for the 18-year-old local lad.

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RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. What will this half of action bring?! It is Man United that resume matters at Old Trafford...

... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that Arsene Wenger will have alterations in mind as it remains 2-1 for the next 15, 20 minutes here.

Worry for Man United as Rashford over-stretches and holds his groin...

... it looks like the 18-year-old, the new Lionel Messi - joke, is fit to continue.

Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in this second period, but Arsenal have been in control of the possession. The next goal - if there indeed is one - is just massive in this match.

Ozil almost sets Ramsey away side the Man United box, but Rojo is on hand to clear the danger. I am finding it hard to believe that we have seen the last of the chances in this match at Old Trafford.

Man United just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Arsenal continue to dominate the ball. Sanchez cuts across the box before having a strike, but Rojo is on hand to make the block.

Rashford drives away in a wide position before finding Mata, who attempts to slide a pass into Memphis, but Cech is on hand to claim. Arsenal then take a chance at the back with plenty of red shirts in close proximity, but they get away with it. Still 2-1 to the home side at the moment.

MAN UNITED SUB! Fosu-Mensah comes on for his Premier League debut in place of Rojo. Another defensive injury for Van Gaal and another youngster on the field.

CHANCE! A deep free kick is delivered into the Arsenal box and Schneiderlin makes contact at the far post, but his effort is blocked and Arsenal manage to clear!

Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and Man United still lead 2-1 in this key Premier League match. You still get the feeling that there are more goals in it as both teams continue to threaten.

Man United have started to look dangerous in the final third once again, with Memphis testing Cech from distance, but the Arsenal stopper does well to get down and keep hold of the ball.

ARSENAL SUB! Giroud replaces Walcott for Arsenal.

Little over 25 minutes of football remaining and you just sense that something is waiting to happen here. Arsenal break forward once again, but they are struggling to find that elusive pass here.

What a goal! Man United score a third in the 65th minute as Rashford does brilliantly to collect a pass from Mata, settle and then pick out Herrera, who places one into the top corner off Koscielny!

Little over 20 minutes remaining and Arsenal need to find another gear here. Instead it is Man United who are breaking clear and looking to score a fourth. Rashford links with Memphis inside the Arsenal box, but Bellerin is across to clear at the vital moment. What a football match here!

De Gea keeps out Welbeck from close range, but the ball falls to Ozil, who smashes into the ground and it evades the Man United stopper. Very much game on again at Old Trafford here.

ARSENAL SUB! Elneny replaces Coquelin for Arsenal.

Ramsey and Memphis have clashed here...

... BOOKING! Ramsey (Arsenal) is booked for clashing with Herrera.

BOOKING! Herrera (Man United) also carded.

Little over 15 minutes of this contest remaining and you just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match. Arsenal have to go for the win or at least push forward for a draw here.

BOOKING! Elneny (Arsenal) is booked for a foul on Memphis.

Good grief this referee is whistle-happy at the moment!

Van Gaal has just fallen to the ground and pretended to be an Arsenal player to the fourth official!

Possession football for Man United in the last couple of minutes, but they need to be careful as Arsenal continue to commit players forward. We are set up for an incredible final 10 minutes here.

Januzaj is going to come on for Man United here...

Giroud makes contact on a Sanchez cross at the far post, but his header is over the crossbar.

MAN UNITED SUB! Januzaj replaces two-goal Rashford for the home team.

Januzaj breaks away on the counter for Man United, but the Belgian had knocked Monreal to the deck and Arsenal are going to make another change with 83 minutes on the clock here.

ARSENAL SUB! Iwobi replaces Welbeck for the away team here.

You just get the feeling that there is another chance in this match and Arsenal are doing all of the pressing at the moment. Man United need to be careful about dropping too deep here.

Ozil delivers onto the head of Koscielny, but his header is straight at De Gea.

Man United have a free kick in a wide position as Elneny brings Lingard to the deck.

Memphis keeps the ball in the corner as more seconds tick away here.

FIVE ADDITIONAL MINUTES!

Arsenal have the chance to deliver a free kick into the Man United box, but Januzaj gets there ahead of Ramsey and the referee blows for a home free kick!

BOOKING! Ozil (Arsenal) is booked for fouling Varela.

Man United want to get James Weir on here.

MAN UNITED SUB! Weir replaces Herrera for Man United.

So there we have it. Man United hold on to record an incredible 3-2 win over Arsenal, with teenager Rashford scoring twice on his Premier League debut before setting up Herrera for the winner. That is more like it for Louis van Gaal. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!