Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen expects the Red Devils to go through in the FA Cup after a victory against archrivals Arsenal.
The gunners will be the visitors to Old Trafford, but they come into the match as the defending champions of the FA Cup. Unlike in the past few seasons, Arsenal are perfectly placed to beat United. Despite having gone on an impressive run of form in 2015, Louis Van Gaal will be aware that his team is far from perfect. The crucial psychological edge of not having suffered a defeat against Arsenal since 2006 may help United.
Owen expects the unbeaten run to continue when the gunners visit Old Trafford. Both teams have a great chance of going on to win the trophy if they get past this round. Liverpool are the only other top team left in the competition. After having won numerous titles during his short spell with the United, Owen says that the title winning instincts of the players will kick into effect when they take on Arsenal. The gunners are on a good run of form, but the recent 3-1 hammering against Arsenal will undoubtedly reflect on their mind. Owen has recalled that this is a fixture that has a lot of history and he hopes that Monday’s match lives up to his billing.
“The tie of the round and both sides know this is their only realistic chance of silverware this term; holders Arsenal showed at the Etihad earlier in the season that they have it in their locker to beat the very best on the road but United have home advantage and that might be the key.This is a fixture steeped in Cup tradition with perhaps the most famous being the last ever FA Cup semi-final replay at Villa Park back in 1999 when Ryan Giggs scored that sensational goal from the halfway line with United down to 10 men following the red card to Roy Keane,” said Owen.