Manchester United vs Arsenal: Marcus Rashford reveals why Unai Emery has made Arsenal a team to be feared

Arsenal are unbeaten in 19 matches under their new manager

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford believes Arsenal are one of the ‘strongest teams in the Premier League’ under new manager Unai Emery.

The Spaniard has exceeded expectations after taking over from Arsene Wenger following the end of his 21-year reign at the club and has the Gunners competing for a place in the Champions League again after two poor league campaigns.

The defining moment of Emery’s tenure to date was an emphatic 4-2 win against north London rivals Tottenham at the weekend. Next for Arsenal is a trip to Old Trafford and a second win from two difficult matches will be important in a tight season in the top-six.

“It’s almost a different Arsenal side now,” Rashford told the club’s website. “They’re playing better football, they’re a more aggressive team and looking at them now they’re one of the strongest teams in the league. We have to take all that into account and no matter what happens we have to try to get the three points.”

Jose Mourinho’s side come into the match without a win in their last three league matches, their latest disappointment a 2-2 draw against Southampton on the back of a goalless draw with Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, and Rashford believes the key to improving is to start games stronger.

“It was disappointing and we paid the price for not starting how we should have started,” explains Rashford, who set up our goals for Romelu Lukaku and Ander Herrera against Southampton after the Saints took a two-goal lead within 20 minutes.

“We grew into the game, especially in the first half when we were creating chances and starting to play better football, but we can’t expect to start games in the way we did that one and get three points. We have to do better.

“I’m still growing so naturally it’s improving. I’m not having to do lots of extra-hard work off the pitch or in the gym. I do little bits and those little bits of natural growth mean that’s going well.”

Games against Arsenal are always special for anyone associated with Manchester United, but for Rashford there is a particular pride around this fixture following his two goals against Wednesday’s opponents on his surprise league debut in February 2016. “It’s a game that holds a special place for me, playing against Arsenal at Old Trafford,” he said.