Arsene Wenger predicts Jose Mourinho's Man Utd will attack Arsenal and not 'park the bus'
Arsene Wenger has predicted that Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United will attack Arsenal on Saturday rather than simply “park the bus” and is confident that Mesut Ozil will not be affected by the interest in him from his former manager.
Ozil spent a highly-productive period under Mourinho at Real Madrid that included winning the La Liga title in 2012 with a record number of goals - and it was also noticeable that he asked the United manager to write the foreword this year for his autobiography.
Mourinho is well aware that Ozil could be available for nothing next summer and, while Wenger is still hoping that he will extend his contract, the situation will ensure an added spotlight on Arsenal’s playmaker on Saturday.
Ozil has been in outstanding form over recent weeks, especially during the wins against Tottenham and Huddersfield that have lifted Arsenal into the top four, and Wenger is certain that he will maintain his focus on Saturday.
“There is only one way to show how much you are committed – your attitude on the pitch,” said Wenger. “When you see him play, one thing you cannot question is the way he wants to play for the team.”
Manchester United have scored just one goal and accumulated only three points in seven away matches against the other ‘big six’ of the Premier League, but Wenger is still expecting his most bitter adversary to play offensively on Saturday.
Asked if United will “park the bus”, Wenger said: “No, Man Utd is a strong team and I expect us just to cope with the problems they will give us. They will attack as well. They will not only defend.
“They are a dangerous team, they have made fantastic results so to beat a team like that you need to be at your best and that’s what I want to focus on.”
Wenger has lost Alexandre Lacazette for the United match after he suffered a groin injury against Huddersfield and there is also concern over Alexis Sanchez. Danny Welbeck is challenging Olivier Giroud to start as the main central striker and Jack Wilshere will also come into consideration if Sanchez does miss out or moves into the central striker’s position.
“Sanchez had a little hamstring problem – but I think he will be alright,” said Wenger.
Of the news that Santi Cazorla has undergone a ninth operation on his Achilles in just a year to place further doubt on whether he will ever play professionally again, Wenger said: “That’s for me, the disastrous, sad news of the day. I feel really sorry for Santi. He is a guy I admire, that we all love here, who came into training every day with a smile because he loved so much the game. For him not to be available for us, it is a big blow. But for him, as well, it is something that is difficult to take. I hope he will be alright and back with us in January.”
