"Experiment might be forced on him" - Arsenal legend nervous ahead of Manchester United clash in the FA Cup

David Seaman has stated that he is nervous ahead of Arsenal vs Manchester United clash in the FA Cup on Sunday (January 12). He noted that the Red Devils are stepping up against the big clubs and showed their abilities against Liverpool last weekend.

Speaking on his Seaman Says podcast, the Gunners icon insisted that Arsenal should not take Manchester United lightly. He believes that both clubs will go in with their strongest starting XIs as they need to make it to the next round. He said (via Metro):

"A little bit because of how good they showed they can play when they play as a team, but I know it depends on what teams they put out there. I know that Mikel changes the team for these sorts of competitions, so it depends how strong he goes, how strong Man United go. Still a little bit nervous though. I think the experiment might be forced on him [Arteta] because of illness, injuries, what players are you getting back. It might just be the strongest team possible."

"I would imagine that he’ll change the goalkeeper because Neto hasn’t played because he was cup-tied for the Carabao Cup, so it will be interesting to see him play. It’s almost like 'what’s left?' weirdly. Putting youngsters in for big games like this can be tricky. It happened with Jack Porter in the Carabao Cup where we just got away with it. He was a 16-year-old playing in goal for Arsenal. I was watching it at home, and I was so nervous for him. It’s a big stage."

Arsenal defeated Manchester United 2-0 in December when the two sides met in the Premier League. This is the first time they are facing off in the FA Cup third round, though they have met 15 times in the competition.

Mikel Arteta heaps praise on Ruben Amorim ahead of Arsenal vs Manchester United

Mikel Arteta has stated Manchester United are playing better under Ruben Amorim and the manager has got his system set at the club. He added that the players are starting to understand the coach's demands (via club website):

"Yeah [you can see differences and] it is true they are playing a little bit different as well with the personnel that they use, the location of certain players. The characteristic of the players at the end dictates as well what they do, where they have more threats on both sides, two feet, in behind, because in the end that's what determines the behaviours of a team."

Manchester United come into the match after a 2-2 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League at Anfield on January 5. The Gunners lost 2-0 to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semifinal midweek and are looking to bounce back.