Latest Manchester United news and gossip as Bukayo Saka makes a claim about Old Trafford while Gary Neville makes a prediction about United vs Arsenal in the Premier League
Manchester United are preparing for their next clash in the Premier League as they face Arsenal.
The Reds welcome the Gunners to Old Trafford looking to secure three points in their quest to qualify for Europe. United are eighth in the Premier League and nine points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with just three matches left to play.
Saturday saw Chelsea claim a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest to move three points clear of United into seventh place. United will look to close the gap when they face the Gunners this weekend.
Bukayo Saka makes Old Trafford claim
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has labelled Old Trafford as his favourite stadium to play football.
Sunday will see United face the Gunners at home as they look to claim another three points. Saka provided an assist as the Reds lost 3-1 to Arsenal in the reverse fixture in September, and has explained why he is relishing taking on United in their home stadium.
“When you start from outside, growing up watching football, the special nights you’ve seen in the Premier League and Champions League at Old Trafford, it was nice to be on the pitch and to play,” Saka told Sky Sports.
“I have played there a few times now and I think it is definitely my favourite stadium to play in.”
MEN Sport’s Mark Wakefield says: Old Trafford has historically been a tough place for visiting teams to try and get three points. With that comes a reputation that leads to teams being extra determined to get the three points, so it should come as no surprise for Saka to have United’s home stadium as his favourite to visit as an opposition player.
Gary Neville makes United vs Arsenal prediction
Gary Neville has explained why he believes United have the potential to beat Arsenal on Sunday.
United and Arsenal are separated by 29 points in the Premier League table going into the fixture at Old Trafford. Neville has predicted a 2-2 draw but explained why the Gunners should be considered the favourites for the contest.
“This is the big one,” said Neville on The Stick to Football podcast by Sky Bet. “Arsenal have a poor record here. There’s three things that stand out to me. Firstly, this is massive for Arsenal. Secondly, United’s record against the big teams isn’t that bad at home. A lot of the top teams haven’t beat United at home.
“And thirdly, Arsenal have got a really poor record at Old Trafford. People are almost dismissing Man United in this game because they’ve been that bad, which we all get, but it can be a graveyard, Old Trafford.
“Look, Arsenal should win but I’m not sure they will. Arsenal should win but there’s a madness about Old Trafford and this game, usually in a title race it doesn’t work out how you think. I’m going 2-2, this is just my feeling. Arsenal should win but it’s a feeling I have.”
MEN Sport’s Mark Wakefield says: Neville is not incorrect with his view that Arsenal will be the favourites to beat United on Sunday. And he is right to say that the Reds have a proven track record of making it a difficult 90 minutes for some of the so-called ‘big teams’ in the Premier League. When the two teams take to the Old Trafford pitch, though, United will be determined to get the three points regardless of who the favourites may be.
