Manchester United’s rivalry with Arsenal is one of the fiercest the Premier League has ever seen.
That rivalry will be resumed on Sunday afternoon when Ruben Amorim’s side face the Gunners at Old Trafford.
United knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup back in January with Altay Bayindir and Joshua Zirkzee starring in a dramatic penalty shootout win.
However, the Red Devils enter Sunday’s Premier League clash in much worse shape with Amorim’s side ravaged by injury.
Amorim’s predicted lineup against Arsenal includes three academy players, which suggests Sunday’s clash could be somewhat of a mismatch. But Amorim has urged United to “survive” and compete with the Gunners.
United will need to show plenty of fighting spirit and determination if they are going to get anything out of the Gunners, and no one did that better than club legend Roy Keane.
Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
Roy Keane admits ‘genuine hatred’ for Arsenal
The matches between Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United and Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal never disappointed, with both clubs vying for Premier League dominance.
More United News
Keane forged a legendary rivalry with Patrick Vieira during the early 2000s, producing some of the best midfield battles – and tunnel incidents – the Premier League has seen.
Looking back on the rivalry in 2013, Keane admitted that he has a “genuine hatred” for Arsenal.
As quoted by The Express, Keane said: “I had a lot of hatred for Arsenal because they were big rivals.
“I cant think of any other word that springs to mind when when I was going into battle with Arsenal. Hatred was the word.
“Usually when you play football one or two players you like but I don’t remember liking anybody at Arsenal.
“When I was a player maybe I used that but I used to build myself up to have a hatred and get my body psyched because I knew had to be at my angriest to be at my best against Arsenal.”
Roy Keane now expects Man United to lose to Arsenal
Keane has been extremely critical of Bruno Fernandes as United’s captain, and he has made it blindingly clear that he thinks this United side lacks leadership and character.
Fernandes was called an “imposter” by Keane, who blamed the Portuguese midfielder for not taking responsibility.
READ MORE: Five things to watch out for when Manchester United take on Arsenal, including potential milestone victory
Therefore it’s hardly a surprise that Keane thinks Arsenal will win at Old Trafford on Sunday despite his “hatred” of the Gunners.
Keane’s prediction for Man United vs Arsenal went against former United teammate Gary Neville, who was slightly more optimistic about Amorim’s chances.