The FA make official decision ahead of Arsenal vs Manchester United

The FA have confirmed that Andrew Madley will referee Manchester United’s FA Cup third round tie against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this weekend. Nick Hopton and Craig Taylor have been appointed as the assistant referees.

Meanwhile, Michael Salisbury will be on fourth official duties. VAR is not being used and will operate in the tournament beyond the fifth round.

Manchester United latest ahead of Arsenal FA Cup clash

United head into the game on the back of their 2-2 draw away at Liverpool last time out in the Premier League. Defender Lisandro Martinez and winger Amad Diallo scored their goals at Anfield as they picked up a useful point. The Red Devils are currently sat in 13th place in the table after a tough season to date. They have 23 points on the board from their first 20 fixtures.

The FA Cup gives Ruben Amorim the chance to make some changes and freshen up his ranks. It is an opportunity for some fringe players and youngsters to get some minutes. United can bolster their ranks ahead of the second-half of the campaign now the January transfer window is open for business. They could also let some players head out the exit door to help free up some space and funds in their squad to pave the way for new arrivals.

Arsenal are second in the league behind Liverpool and are six point off Arne Slot’s men. The Gunners were beaten 2-0 at home by Newcastle United in their last game in their first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

Arteta said afterwards that their focus now turns on United: “We’ll focus on the performance of today; what we have done, why we didn’t win the game and understand that and make improvements as with every game, and recharge. We need a lot of energy, we have a big game here against Man United in a different competition, so let’s move on. You have to turn things around. Today it was a night that was really important. As I said before, I don’t think the performance and dominance reflect the result, and you have to take it. It’s frustrating, but that’s football.”

Manchester United striker fires Arsenal warning

Rasmus Højlund has said United need to be ‘focused’ on the task at hand when they lock horns with Arsenal. Speaking ahead of the match, he has said: "It's a tough first opponent and away as well. But we're going to go for it and, and try to go for it again this year. It's a good game and the Emirates is a nice stadium. The pitch is very good. I had my debut there as well. So it's a special place for me and a good opponent. I'm looking forward to it.

"It can be [a good thing that we played there not long ago], if we do it right. I think we need to be sharp at set-pieces, they have been been very good on that, and they scored twice from that last time around. So yeah, very focused there. Just trying to keep improving and do what the manager's saying and I think we will be good."