Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that it’s too soon to dismiss Manchester United’s chances of winning the Premier League title as he prepares his in-form team to face Ruben Amorim’s revitalized side on Wednesday.
United currently sit 15 points behind leaders Liverpool and four points off the Champions League spots after 13 matches. When asked during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday whether United could still be in the title race despite their difficult start under the recently sacked Erik ten Hag, Arteta said, “It’s still very early in the season. Any team that can string together five or six wins in a row will be up there, because it’s so tough, and every team is struggling to keep winning consistently. Anything is possible.”
Arteta also acknowledged that reigning champions Manchester City remain a threat, despite their recent struggles — Pep Guardiola’s side has lost their last four league matches, leaving them 11 points behind Liverpool. “If there’s a team that has the quality to turn it around and start winning consistently, it’s them,” Arteta said.
Arsenal have a strong recent home record against United, who have won two and drawn one of their opening three matches under Amorim, who replaced Ten Hag just weeks ago. Arteta commented on the immediate impact of the former Sporting Lisbon manager, saying, “You can already see his influence on what he wants to do. He’s been very successful with Sporting and brings energy and fresh ideas to a new club, which is always positive, but we must focus on what we need to do.”
Looking ahead, Arsenal will face United in the third round of the FA Cup next month. “We play at home, and it’s going to be a big match again,” Arteta said. “It’s becoming a bit of a pattern that we face big opponents early in the competition, but we want to do what we’ve done historically at this club — beat the big teams to win the competition. We’re excited.”
