Keeping trophy hopes alive

There’s always the reminder of past glories on match day outside Old Trafford, where fans can get the opportunity to pose with trophies marking their memorable treble from the 1998-99 season.

Only the FA Cup remains on the line for them this season, while it is their opponents today and long time rivals who hope to keep alive their chances of winning the Premier League.

It is perhaps something of a dilemma for Manchester United fans because while they could severely dent Arsenal’s title hopes, they would also be handing a significant boost to city rivals Manchester City.

Given the inconsistent nature of their season, you would imagine most fans will just want a big performance and positive result today.

Fight is the theme of Erik ten Hag’s programme notes ahead of this game.

There was little of that on show as Manchester United were beaten 4-0 by Crystal Palace in their previous game, and Ten Hag accepts that performance fell way below the standards expected of his side.

“When you have a setback like this in football, you only have two choices: you accept the situation and give up or you fight to make things right,” the Dutchman writes.

“On many occasions this season, I have seen the right spirit from this team even when things have been going against us, and I expect the same response today.

“I have always been a fighter and I recognise that there is fight in this squad.”

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