Paul Merson has termed the Sunday clash between Arsenal and Manchester United as massive given the expected implication on the top four race.
Both Man United and Arsenal are tightly engaged in the race with the former enjoying just a point above their London rivals. The two sides are still in contention of the Champions League and the Europa League but Arsenal lost their first leg game against Stade Rennes while the Red Devils pulled a surprising 3-1 win over PSG. Man United surprisingly beat PSG to progress into the quart-finals.
“I think a lot of the top-four race goes down to this game on Sunday. That’s why it’s a massive football match, whoever loses won’t be in the top four. But if Arsenal lose they’ve still got a chance in the Europa League. People are telling me Manchester United could go on and win the Champions League, I’m not sure about that.” Merson argued.
The retired footballer urged Arsenal and to a larger extent, Chelsea to ensure they go all the way to win the Europa League as Man United did under Jose Mourinho in 2017.
“I think it’s the same for Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, the longer you stay in these tournaments you can get into the scenario of what Manchester United did the other year – they stayed in the Europa League and put all their eggs in that basket and couldn’t get in the top four. I think it’s important for Arsenal and Chelsea to do that at the moment. I think Arsenal will go through, I think they’ll have far too much for them in the second leg but there are some very good teams still left in it,” Merson concluded
