Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, speaking to Sky Sports: “They were far below the standard [against Crystal Palace] for Manchester United and I am not used to this team.
“We have always had a fighting spirit and a good mentality – that is what I least expect.”
On owing fans a result: “Absolutely. Maybe you were in my team-talk as that is what I said to them.
“They [fans] stayed behind the team and we should do the same. Fight, fight, fight.”
On changes: “First of all Arsenal are very strong in possession. So we need some players there in the middle of the park who can win battles and intercept balls Sofyan Amrabat is good at that.
“In the last moment Bruno Fernandes could not make it so we brought Amad [Diallo] into the team.
“Amad has worked so good in the last few months and there is a lot of competition on the right-hand-side – it is a good opportunity for him.”
On Bruno Fernandes’ injury: “The last days he trained, but he didn’t make it yesterday. Bruno trained, but was not far enough to recover from his injury.”
On having the same back four which lost to Crystal Palace: “We don’t have options there and that is the only options we have.
“You have to protect them. The full-backs and the midfield have to do better – it is about taking responsibility.
”What’s at stake for Man Utd?
While Arsenal still harbour hopes of the winning the title, the best Manchester United can really hope for is a sixth-place finish.
Erik ten Hag’s side have gone backwards following an encouraging debut season under the Dutchman.
United are a whopping 31 points behind leaders Manchester City and trail fourth-placed Aston Villa by 13 points.
After Monday’s embarrassing thrashing at Crystal Palace, United are eighth but will move level on 57 points with Newcastle and Chelsea if they beat Arsenal today.
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