Manchester United vs Arsenal: 5 things to watch

Arsenal’s fans and players have every reason to be proud. “We went out there and put pressure on them having gone out with the mentality to win”, Sanchez said.

Aarons, 20-years-old, has been regularly linked with the Gunners for the past two transfer windows and Arsenal’s search for a long-term goalkeeper has seen them plot a move for 19-year-old Woodman.

Their last title – “The Invincibles” of 2003-04 was against the backdrop of Roman Abramovich’s millions first pouring into English football at Chelsea and Manchester United still the country’s number one force, albeit one slightly in flux.

United were outplayed for much of that contest but, despite their lofty league position, Arsenal have struggled to replicate anything like that sort of form in recent weeks and Wenger has already spoken of his concern for the goals “drying up”.

We’ll have all the action from White Hart Lane as it happens, so don’t go changing… Although Arsenal v Manchester United matches do not hold the same vigour and significance as they did a decade ago, it is a match that neither side can afford to lose.

“I would say we are more comfortable going there, or away from home in general, and performing well and to our best [than before]”.

Louis van Gaal [on Midtjylland win and Arsenal]: “It was not only the players who played but also those on the bench and the players who are injured”. On that front, that is the most interesting period of the season.

As poor as United have been of late – losing to sides of the calibre of Bournemouth, Norwich, Stoke, Southampton, Sunderland and Midtjylland through the course of their last 15 matches in all competitions (W6-D4-L5) – it is hard to regard such a price is as good value. “Now the focus is on the Premier League and trying to win that’s important for me, the team, for everyone”.

Arsenal have also lost Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to injury after he was forced to withdraw against Barcelona with a knee injury. They want to win and I think they’ve shown that in the FA Cup in the last two years.

United have been below-par this term, and are now fifth in the table – one point ahead of sixth-placed Southampton and six adrift of Manchester City in fourth.

It was just the second match the defender has missed so far this season and Smalling has now told ManUtd.com that he hopes to be passed fit to face the Gunners so he can continue his consistent run in the first team.