Wenger compares Arsenal youngsters to United Class Of ’92 before crucial game

Arsene Wenger has warned opposition sides that his Arsenal side are planning to continue their stay at the top of the Premier League, claiming that his current squad can build a dynasty comparable to that of the legendary Manchester United class of 92. The Gunners travel to Old Trafford to face United today, and Wenger believes the likes of Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey, Wojciech Szczesny, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can emulate their opponents Manchester predecessors.

“United had an exceptional group together – the two Neville brothers, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt,” said Wenger.

“I would say this group is as successful as Manchester United’s group of players were.”

We have to show that and we have an opportunity to do that – no-one can stop you if you have quality and attitude.”

Wenger has previously been criticised for neglecting young English talent, often favouring cheaply sourced talent from the continent. However he appears to have adapted his mindset somewhat, insisting that club identity within the team is important.

“I believe the sense of belonging is important, and it has certainly been a bit neglected in the modern game – but it is part of the culture of the club, that the club means something to you. That is important for the fans as well.”

“I believe in some difficult periods of the season or of a player’s career that feeling that he belongs there is very important – and that can only be built with players growing up together.

“We have today in the team Wojciech, who for me is an Arsenal player because he came here at 15 and has grown up here. Wilshere was 10 when he started. That was always my target.”

One of Wenger’s young guns, Aaron Ramsey, has been the division’s stand out player this season, and Wenger says he always believed in the Welsh international’s ability.

“Just before he had his good period I extended his contract because I believed in him.”

“I left him out for a while [last season]. It is always difficult because when people are criticised you think if I take him out straight away he loses confidence, but when you leave a player on he slowly deteriorates confidence-wise.”

“It happened to Cesc Fabregas where for a period he could not score a goal. I said ‘don’t worry, just be in the situations, and once the first goals in [you will be fine]‘.”

Arsenal have hit the target with 59% of their Premier League attempts on goal this season