Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has looked to downplay the significance of Sunday’s visit of Manchester United to the Emirates… and his reunion with Jose Mourinho.
In 15 competitive matches Wenger has not once defeated the Manchester United manager. That record almost certainly cannot continue if Arsenal, six points off fourth, are to qualify for the Champions League.
Wenger and Mourinho have been rivals ever since the latter arrived in England with Chelsea in 2004 and on more than one occasion have clashed on the sidelines.
Though their relationship is not as tempestuous as it has been both managers spent the build-up to November’s meeting at Old Trafford, which ended as a 1-1 draw, sniping at each other but Wenger insists he will treat this weekend’s game as he would any other.
"I respect everybody and of course I respect Manchester United," he told beIN Sports.
"I think the game will be just a game - and that is important for me."
Wenger’s hopes of victory may be aided by a weaker Manchester United lineup, with Mourinho saying ahead of his side’s Europa League semi-final that he would consider resting players on Sunday to focus on his bid for European glory.
