Manchester United travel to the Emirates Stadium this weekend on the back of a very important, and much-needed win against Celta Vigo. José Mourinho stated post-match that he was willing to rest players in this Premier League clash ahead of the second-leg in the Europa League semi-final.
Here are five reasons why, no matter who plays on Sunday, Manchester United will beat Arsenal in North London.
#1 Arsenal’s struggles
Against the ‘big six’ in the Premier League, Arsenal have won one game, drawn three and lost five. An utterly appalling record for the Gunners which says to all why they do not deserve a top four finish.
It would appear that Wenger’s record against the traditionally ‘better’ teams is diminishing rapidly, which was epitomised by Arsenal’s 10-2 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich.
With the added pressure of having to beat Manchester United to appease the home support, the players’ mentalities are going to be questioned and if this season is anything to go by, it is not going to be a happy encounter.
#2 Defensive record
Manchester United have the fifth-best defensive record in the whole of Europe, while also having the second-best in the Premier League.
That is some incredible achievement, given that Mourinho does not have the personnel he wishes to have in the heart of United’s defence.
Under Louis van Gaal, Man United’s defence was strong and they were not ones to leak a heap of goals. However, under the Portuguese boss, he has taken that to a new level and made the back four a very formidable force.
Arsenal will struggle to get runners in-behind the wonderfully athletic Eric Bailly, who covers every piece of grass with absolute ease.
#3 No pressure
With Mourinho’s comments suggesting he will rest players against Arsenal, there will be no pressure for those Manchester United players who are involved.
The impetus will be on Arsenal to go and win this game, and if they do not grab the three points, severe questions will be asked yet again of Arsene Wenger’s management and the players’ commitment.
Also Read: Mourinho to rest key men at Arsenal due to 'impossible' fixture demands
It might be a more youthful side that goes out against the Gunners, but that might just be what Manchester United need. The youngsters have nothing to lose whatsoever and will play with the freedom against an Arsenal side that is flailing and considerably underperforming.
Mourinho’s a master of mind games and this one could prove pivotal against Wenger’s Arsenal.
#4 Paul Pogba
There has been much talk of Pogba’s price tag ever since he rejoined Manchester United, but he has been one of their best players.
People are far too quick to criticise the Frenchman, yet he has been brilliant in patches for United - especially against Celta Vigo in a huge match for the club. Pogba’s statistics, especially in terms of assists, would be far greater if he had forwards that finished their chances.
Unfortunately for the former Juventus midfielder, Manchester United have only converted 5% of Pogba’s chances - an utterly appalling record.
If United’s attackers had finished the opportunities carved out for them by Pogba, the French combative midfielder would be on the same amount of assists as Kevin De Bruyne (11).
Pogba has not been par and is only getting better and improving in each game that passes by. He has yet to really turn it on against a ‘big team’, but this could be the game that takes him to another level.
#5 Mourinho v Wenger
Lest we forget that Wenger has NEVER beaten Mourinho in a Premier League match. The only time the French manager has been on the winning end against a Mourinho team was in a Community Shield match - a glorified friendly.
There is always a battle of mind games when these to managerial titans come to blow, but it appears that Mourinho will always come out on top.
Also Read: Mourinho: There are no problems between Wenger and I
Arsenal have endured a very tumultuous season and are on the verge of not even qualifying for the Champions League. If they are to salvage something for their loyal fans, they need to start by defeating Mourinho’s United.
