Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that it's too early to dismiss Manchester United from the Premier League title race, despite their poor start to the season. Arteta's comments come as his in-form team prepares to face Ruben Amorim's improving side on Wednesday.
United are currently 15 points behind league leaders Liverpool and four points outside the Champions League spots after 13 matches.
When asked whether United could still challenge for the title, Arteta said, "It’s still very early in the season. Any team that has the capacity to put five or six wins in a row is going to be up there because it’s so tough and you see every week how all the teams are struggling to maintain winning, winning and winning. So I think anything is possible."
Arteta also mentioned that Manchester City, despite their recent slump, should not be underestimated. The defending champions have lost their last four league matches, dropping 11 points behind Liverpool.
“Again, if there is a team with the capacity to turn it around and start to win, win, win and win –- don’t rule them out because you know how much quality they have,” Arteta added.
Arsenal have a strong home record against United, who have won two and drawn one of their first three games under Amorim. Arteta noted that Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag, is already making an impact at the club.
“You can see his fingerprints in what he wants to do straight away,” said Arteta. “I think he’s been very clear, he’s been very successful with Sporting. He brings energy to a new club and to the players new ideas and that’s always something positive but we have to focus on what we have to do.”
Arsenal are also set to face United in the third round of the FA Cup next month.
“We play at home, it’s going to be a big match again and it’s a little bit of the story of the last few seasons that in the third or fourth round we are playing big opponents,” Arteta said. “But we want to do what we have done historically at this club and in the end, you have to beat the big teams to win it. It is what it is. We are excited.”
