Harry Maguire has labelled Arsenal as the best team Manchester United have faced this season and believes Mikel Arteta’s side still have what it takes to win the Premier League title.
The England defender made the admission ahead of Arsenal’s potentially decisive clash against Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night, where victory could move the Gunners to the brink of their first league crown in 22 years.
Arsenal know three points against the already relegated Clarets would pile enormous pressure on Manchester City ahead of their difficult trip to Bournemouth on Tuesday.
If City fail to win on the south coast after an Arsenal victory, Arteta’s side would officially be crowned Premier League champions before the final day.
Maguire faced Arsenal twice this season and admitted United found it extremely difficult to create chances against a side he believes have been the strongest all-round team in the division.
Speaking to The Overlap, the defender reflected on United’s meetings with Arsenal and suggested even United’s dramatic 3-2 win in north London earlier in the campaign did little to change his overall opinion of the Gunners.
“Honestly, I always thought Arsenal were the better team,” Maguire said. “When we played them, honestly, they give you nothing. They were so solid.”
“We beat them at the Emirates, but we didn’t create much, and we scored two worldies.”
“We played well that day, but we didn’t actually create too much inside the box. They defend the box so well.”
“I always thought Arsenal would have enough. I still think they have enough.”
Arsenal opened their league campaign with a narrow victory at Old Trafford earlier in the season, a performance built around the defensive control and structure that has become one of the defining features of Arteta’s side during the title race.
The Gunners currently boast the best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding just 26 goals, while David Raya has already secured another Golden Glove award after a series of decisive performances throughout the campaign.
Maguire’s praise will only further reinforce the growing feeling around Arsenal that this team has developed into the most complete side in the division after several near misses in recent years.
The timing of those comments also adds another layer to Monday’s game against Burnley, which is expected to be played in a charged atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal supporters have already seen their side reach the Champions League final this month, and the club now stand just two league victories away from completing what would be one of the most memorable seasons of the Arteta era.