It’s is getting toward squeaky bum time in the Premier League and FA Cup, or as Louis van Gaal would not so pleasantly describe as ‘twitchy ass’ time. The stakes are high for both sides in Monday nights FA Cup quarter final between United and Arsenal, with the competition representing each sides best chance of silverware this season.
The Manchester United boss has described the tie as being ‘almost like a final’ and has also stated that the outcome of the match could have an impact on the race for a top four finish in the Premier League, due to the psychological blow that it will have on the defeated side.
Speaking in his pre-match conference, van Gaal stated: ‘It’s a game between two teams of 11 players. United and Arsenal are placed third and fourth in the league, so it’s almost like a final, I think.’
‘We have the support of our fans but Arsenal shall bring a lot of fans too. Also, Arsenal and United are now in third and fourth place, so it is a big event with two good teams. I hope we can give a fantastic match for the fans.’
‘I think if we beat them it is a big blow for them, but if they beat us it is a big blow for us. It is very important game, not only for the FA Cup but also for the rat race’.
Arsene Wenger has the chance to make it two FA Cups im two years if his side can triumph at Old Trafford tomorrow night and he has spoken ahead of the game of how important it is to his side’s season to progress to the next round.
‘It’s not just another game because it’s the quarter-final of the FA Cup,’ stated Wenger. ‘We fought until now to be in there, now we want to stay in it and go to the semi-final. It’s a fantastic opportunity.’
‘For years, it was always the game of the season that decided the Premier League. At the moment it’s not the case but it’s still a big game.’
‘You go there and I don’t expect any weakness from Man United. I know that if we want to qualify, we have to produce a strong performance. They have lost two games in 22 so if you want to beat them, you have to produce a performance.’
