Takehiro Tomiyasu has sent a warning to Manchester United that three “consistent” Arsenal players could make the difference in Sunday’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag will no doubt expect a big performance from Manchester United against the Gunners after the Red Devils were trounced 4-0 by Crystal Palace on Monday.
United were humiliated during their Premier League outing at Selhurst Park, with an under-fire Erik ten Hag facing even further criticism over his side’s performance.
The Red Devils’ disappointing run of form in recent weeks ensured that United would finish outside of the top four and would miss out on Champions League football.
However, United face the real possibility of not securing any kind of European football for next season after their latest setback against Crystal Palace.
Ten Hag’s men are currently eighth in the league table with only three league matches remaining, with United level on points with seventh-place Chelsea.
Sixth-place Newcastle are two points clear of the Red Devils and fifth-place Tottenham are six points ahead of Ten Hag’s side.
Tomiyasu talks three Arsenal players vs Man Utd
Manchester United have won only one of their last five Premier League matches ahead of Arsenal’s arrival at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have won four of their last five league matches and are locked in a heated title race with defending champions Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s men are only one point ahead of Manchester City in the league table, although Pep Guardiola’s men have a Premier League match in hand.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has made 20 Premier League appearances for the Gunners this season, believes Arsenal could edge out United due to three players.
The 25-year-old Arsenal defender praised centre-back duo Gabriel and William Saliba, with Tomiyasu calling them both “consistent.”
Tomiyasu added that Arsenal defender Ben White, much like Gabriel and William Saliba, has been a consistent presence for Arteta’s side.
“The two centre-backs, Gabi and [William] Saliba, they are so consistent – and so is Ben [White] as well,” he said, as per The Evening Standard.
“We have had a lot of clean sheets because of them. I want to be part of that [defence]. We will try to get another clean sheet at Old Trafford as well.”
Tomiyasu on Man Utd vs Arsenal at Old Trafford
Tomiyasu is well aware that even an out-of-form United could potentially be a banana skin moment in the Gunners’ Premier League title challenge.
The Japan international insisted that his teammates need to be “confident” if they want to secure all three points on their visit to Old Trafford.
“Obviously, it won’t be an easy game because it is a tough place to play and take three points,” Tomiyasu said.
“But we are confident and we will be there to get three points. If we win the title, we will be happy. I don’t want anything else; we just want the title.
“For me, there has not been many chances to be involved in this title race, so I am happy I am involved now.
“If there is a chance in front of us, we have to go for it and take it.”