Arsene Wenger has admitted that while he’s not sure what starting XI Jose Mourinho will pick on Sunday, he knows that it’ll be strong.

  • United beat Celta Vigo away 1-0 in Europa League on Thursday
  • Mourinho prioritising European trophy over Premier League
  • Could field weakened starting XI against Arsenal on Sunday
  • Wenger claims it doesn’t matter

Manchester United were in Spain on Thursday night playing Celta Vigo in the Europa League semi-finals. United won 1-0, earning themselves a vital away goal.

Mourinho has decided to focus on winning the Europa League this season, hoping to earn qualification to next season’s Champions League that way, rather than push to finish in the top four.

Therefore, while the Red Devils’ manager fielded a pretty strong team against Celta Vigo on Thursday night, which included Paul Pogba, it’s thought that he’ll put out a weakened one against Arsenal at the weekend.

Regardless, Wenger believes that United’s team will be strong.

“We focus on our performance. I don’t know what Manchester United will do,” Wenger said during his press conference.

“We know anyway that they have a massive squad with quality players. Only a top-level performance will get us the win we want.”

He continued, “The only advantage we can give ourselves is to focus on ourselves and not speculate on any weakness of Manchester United. No matter who plays, they will have a strong team out.”

United are currently five points above Arsenal, so a win for the Gunners on Sunday could see them close the gap on fifth.

Arsenal v Manchester United kicks off at 4pm on Sunday 7 May.