“And I don’t want to go into individuals”.
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Paul Pogba knows Manchester United can not afford to let standards slip in this weekend’s “big one” against Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal.
Jose Mourinho’s side are now three points ahead of third-placed Liverpool with a game in hand and a victory over Arsene Wenger’s side would put them within the cusp of acquiring the runner-up spot. He would treat these seismic clashes with United as he would any other game and the pre-match walk was a staple in our preparations.
United striker Romelu Lukaku is the favourite to score in the game.
The Europa semifinals between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid is delicately poised after a 1-1 first-leg draw at the Emirates.
The only area of the team that is safe from Enrique’s axe is the forward line, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette safe for now.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan had been a doubt for Sunday’s showdown with United, who received Alexis Sanchez in return when he head to north London.
Likely XI: Petr Cech; Hector Bellerin, Calum Chambers, Shkodran Mustafi, Sead Kolasinac; Granit Xhaka, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey; Danny Welbeck, Alex Iwobi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Wenger and his counterpart have become embroiled in scuffles both on and off the pitch during the times in the Premier League, but the 68-year-old wanted to put all that water under the bridge as he eyed a peaceful end to his tenure with Arsenal. However, you get the impression United supporters and Mourinho won’t roll out the red carpet for him on Sunday. “We’ve had some great battles in 22 years”.
But after catastrophic away form this campaign (5 losses in 5 in 2018) which rendered them incapable to finish in the top 4, let alone mount a title challenge, it does seem a tall order for Arsenal come away with a good result from one of the best sides in the league at home.
Pogba himself has also dismissed the reports this week, insisting that he repsects Mourinho’s authority as Man United manager. Arriving from Monaco in 1996, Wenger had only a Ligue 1 title to his name and a limited knowledge of England, and more importantly, of the club that he would make his own. United are nearly guaranteed second, but can not reach the top; Arsenal have nearly secured sixth, but are extremely unlikely to snatch fifth.
In these early days, the rivalry with United didn’t appear to have an effect on Wenger however its significance grew.
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The Swans sit just four points above the relegation zone with just three games for them left, and they’re up against the wall, trying to survive.
