Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger cools favourites talk ahead of Man Utd game

Arsene Wenger admits he is relishing Arsenal's "special" clash against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Super Sunday.

Title-chasing Arsenal face United on Sunday lunchtime, live on Sky Sports 1, looking to make it three league wins in a row, after last weekend's goalless FA Cup draw against Hull was followed by a 2-0 midweek Champions League loss to Barcelona.

Arsenal head into the encounter as favourites for a league game at Old Trafford for the first time in the Premier League era but Wenger insists his only focus is how his side performs on the day.

"Man Utd is a big club and Old Trafford is a special place," the Arsenal manager told reporters at his pre-match news conference.

"I believe for every club it remains a special fixture but for me favourites has no special meaning, it's opinions.

"Results are down to performances and reality and that's what we focus on. Favourites is just good for talk."

The Gunners go into the weekend just two points behind leaders Leicester, but with an FA Cup replay and the return leg against Barcelona to come, Wenger's men face a run of seven games in 22 days.

"It is the key period," said the Frenchman. "We work the whole season for this period and that's where you're really tested but it's where you have an opportunity to show your quality as well.

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"On that front, I agree that it is the most interesting period of the season. It's a period of the season where you can show quality, nerves and desire as well.

"Everybody drops points. It is unpredictable. We have rebuilt a good run in the Premier League and we need to continue that. We need to get over the disappointment of the result in the Champions League.

"We need to focus on the Premier League where we have a big part to play. How many points that will be needed, we don't know. Let's not set any limit on the number of points we can get."

Despite a title drought of 12 years, Wenger's position as manager does not appear to be under any threat in sharp contrast to United counterpart Louis van Gaal, who has faced scrutiny for much of the season.

Van Gaal's side have won just two of their last six Premier League games and were thoroughly outplayed in a 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium in October.

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"I do not want to speak too much about Man United because we are more focused on us and preparing for an important game. Of course Van Gaal has my respect and my sympathy," he added.

"What can you do? Not a lot but do your job and use your potential of resistance to stress and focus on your job."

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