“It’s going to be a very tight game” - Nigel Winterburn predicts winner of Arsenal vs Manchester United clash in FA Cup

Former England international Nigel Winterburn has backed Arsenal to beat Manchester United in their upcoming FA Cup third-round game on Sunday, January 12. He believes the Red Devils will make it a tough match but has backed the Gunners to eventually edge out the win.

Speaking to William Hill, Winterburn termed the Gunners favorites to win the game based on the two sides' league position and recent form. But he acknowledged that Ruben Amorim's side have turned up for the big games this season and said:

"I think the FA Cup clash between Arsenal and Manchester United is really important for both teams. But you could say that Arsenal, being second in the Premier League, still have the Carabao Cup and the Champions League to contend with alongside the FA Cup. So, in that sense, this match is bigger for United.

"That being said, when you’re a player, every competition is big. To win these competitions is what players strive for. From Arsenal’s point of view, it’s crucial for them to stay in the FA Cup and not allow United to get the upper hand. It’s a huge match for both sides."

He added:

"You can feel like you’re in a strong position within the league and cup competitions, but if you take your eye off the ball in a cup competition like they did in the Carabao Cup against Newcastle, you can find yourself out of it quickly.

"Then, the next thing you know, you’re out of the next one too, and things don’t look as rosy as they did a few weeks ago. That’s the danger for Arsenal right now. They must continue to apply pressure in both the league and the cup. I think this will be an Arsenal victory purely because of the quality their squad holds. But I do think it’s going to be a very tight game."

Winterburn went on to make a scoreline prediction, saying the Gunners will win 2-1 at the Emirates. The two sides met in the Premier League back in December and Mikel Arteta's side went on to win 2-0.

Arsenal and Manchester United set for quiet transfer window - Reports

Arsenal and Manchester United have different goals this season but are reportedly set for a similar winter transfer window. The Gunners are chasing the Premier League title, while the Red Devils are looking to get into the top half of the table.

Mikel Arteta's side are reportedly on the lookout for a forward in January following the injury to Bukayo Saka. However, they have been linked with Alexander Isak, who is said to be uninterested in leaving Newcastle United in the winter.

Ruben Amorim may have to wait for the summer to make changes to his squad as the club are said to be struggling with their finances.