The Red Devils manager is under pressure ahead of the Gunners' trip to Old Trafford on Sunday and the Frenchman has admitted that he feels for the Dutchman's plight
Arsene Wenger has revealed his “respect and sympathy” for under-fire Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.
Van Gaal is under pressure over United’s poor performances this season, with the 20-time champions currently fifth in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Leicester.
Arsenal boss Wenger takes his side to Old Trafford on Sunday as favourites to beat United - and the Frenchman admits he feels for Van Gaal as speculation continues over his future at the club.
“I don’t want to speak too much about Man United today because we’re focussed on us but of course he has my respect and my sympathy,” Wenger said of Van Gaal.
“Being favourites is not a special meaning, it’s opinions. Results are down to performance and reality so that’s what you want to focus on. It’s good to talk, but results are made by performances.”
Arsenal are third in the table and entering a critical stage of the season, which includes a massive north London derby against title rivals Tottenham on March 5.
Wenger admits his players are facing a “key period” as they target their first title since 2004 and is backing his players to thrive under the pressure.
He added: “It is the key period. We work the whole season for this period. That’s where you’re really tested and also where you have an opportunity to show your quality. It’s the period to show your quality, nerves and desire.
“Everybody drops points and it’s very unpredictable. We’ve built a good run in the Premier League and we want to build on that. We don’t know how many points will be needed but let’s not set any limits.”
- Goal