Wenger - United game still has aura

Arsene Wenger says Old Trafford remains a “special place” with an intimidating aura ahead of Sunday’s showdown against Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal’s side have only won two of their last six home Premier League games, a run which has included defeats against Norwich City and Southampton.

United have only scored five league goals during that time but, after they beat Midtjylland 5-1 in the Europa League, Wenger says Old Trafford is still a difficult place to go to.

“Yes [it still has an aura] because Manchester United are a big club, Old Trafford is a special place and I believe for every club it remains a special fixture,” he said. “Against Arsenal, the United fans and players will be up for it.

“In one week all has changed. I didn’t believe that they would lose against Shrewsbury and Midtjylland. Old Trafford is always a difficult place to go and even if they had lost against Midtjylland, I would have said that it is a difficult game.

“I watched [United debutant] Marcus Rashford last night and he was quite impressive. I didn’t know Rashford but I knew all the other ones. It’s quite simple to prepare. I’m convinced that the first thing needed is to prepare for a strong performance on our side.

“We are in a strong position in the league, that’s for sure, but there’s still a long way to go. Winning at Old Trafford in 1998 put us on a good run, but the second time [in 2002] we knew that if we won there we would become champions. It was a decisive game which is the case again on Sunday.”