Wenger tags weekend showdown with rivals Manchester United a ‘special fixture’

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has described this Sunday’s showdown against Manchester United as a “special fixture”.

Ten points separate the rivals in the Premier League table, with Arsenal third and United currently in fifth place.

The Gunners are unbeaten in their last three league games and they face opponents who have only won two of their last six top-flight matches at home.

Louis van Gaal‘s side have passed two of their three tests this week after overcoming a potential banana skin against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup and progressing into the last 16 of the Europa League by beating FC Midtjylland.

Despite Arsenal and United having contrasting seasons, Wenger believes that there is still an intimidating aura at Old Trafford.

In Friday’s press conference, Wenger told reporters: “Yes [it still has an aura] because Manchester United are a big club, Old Trafford is a special place and I believe for every club it remains a special fixture.

“Against Arsenal, the United fans and players will be up for it. In one week all has changed. I didn’t believe that they would lose against Shrewsbury and Midtjylland. Old Trafford is always a difficult place to go and even if they had lost against Midtjylland, I would have said that it is a difficult game.”

Earlier this season, Arsenal sealed a 3-0 win over United at the Emirates.