Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Man Utd will be strong regardless of Jose Mourinho's team selection

By Mark Crellin

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal must not be distracted by talk of Manchester United making changes for their Super Sunday clash

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he expects Manchester United to field a "strong" side on Sunday, regardless of Jose Mourinho's team selection.

United manager Mourinho suggested that the Europa League semi-final tie against Celta Vigo is his priority, saying he will rest players for the Super Sunday clash at The Emirates if necessary.

But Wenger believes Manchester United's strong squad will allow the former Chelsea boss to field a powerful line-up, even if changes are made with the Europa League in mind.

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"We focus on our performance," Wenger said on Thursday. "I don't know what Man Utd will do.

"We know anyway they have a massive squad with quality players and only a top performance will get us the win we want."

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Image: Granit Xhaka will sit out Sunday's big Premier League showdown

Pressed on whether a weakened United team could give Arsenal an advantage, Wenger added: "No, the only advantage we can give is to focus on ourselves, not a weaker Manchester United.

"No matter who plays, they will have a strong team out. What I want is that my team turns up with a strong performance on Sunday."

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Image: Arsenal suffered a 2-0 defeat to Spurs on Sunday

Wenger will be without midfielder Granit Xhaka this weekend due to an ankle injury.

"Granit Xhaka is still out," Wenger said. "(Shkodran) Mustafi is back in normal training, that's basically it.

"(David) Ospina is fully fit, Lucas Perez is back in training but will miss the next couple of days after picking up a knock."

Image: Man Utd face Celta Vigo in the Europa League semi-finals

There remains no definitive news on whether Wenger will still be in charge of Arsenal next season.

Wenger suggested earlier this year that he would reveal his intentions in March or April, but said on Friday: "We are in May. That means I was wrong!"

The Arsenal boss also said there was no further news on a possible new contract for Mesut Ozil, but is planning to speak to the player, having learned that the Germany international reacted angrily after being asked to take a drugs test following last weekend's 2-0 derby defeat at Tottenham.

"I'm sorry he kicked the door," said Wenger. "But I don't think his frustration was towards the drugs test, it was about the game.

Image: Wenger had no further news on Mesut Ozil's contract situation

"I didn't speak to him about it, because I only heard about it today. I will speak to him today, it's always good to get the player's version."

Meanwhile, Ozil has been talking about how much he enjoys life in London and is even having his drive re-tarmacked.

Asked if that meant the playmaker would be staying with Arsenal, a smiling Wenger remarked: "That's a good conclusion."

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