Arsene Wenger has vowed to do "absolutely everything" in his power to ensure Arsenal retain the FA Cup as he looks ahead to their quarter-final clash with Manchester United.
The Gunners head to Old Trafford on March 9 and the Frenchman says it is a tie that "excites" him, despite a poor recent record against the Red Devils.
The last time Arsenal defeated United was a 1-0 win at the Emirates in the Premier League back in 2011 but Wenger insists his rejuvenated side is capable of setting the record straight.
“It’s an interesting and exciting draw," he added. "We are the holders of this cup and we want to do absolutely everything to keep it. At some stage you have [to play the bigger teams].
“Last year we played Liverpool, Everton, Tottenham and that’s what you do to get through. It’s a good opportunity for us that we want to take.”
Arsenal lost 2-1 to United earlier this season though Wenger continues to draw positives from his side's performance.
He added: “We came out of the first game with some frustration because we had produced a performance and didn’t get a result.
“That can happen in football. But if you produce a performance, nine times out of 10 you will win the game. That’s what we want to reiterate."
Wenger also had mixed news from the treatment room, confirming Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were nearing full recoveries but there are doubts over Hector Bellerin as the Gunners ready themselves for a trip to Crystal Palace.
"Jack is fine," Wenger told reporters.
"Oxlade-Chamberlain is close, he will join in normal training today [Thursday]," while on Aaron Ramsey, he added: "[Aaron] is 9 days into his three-week rehab.
"We have uncertainties about Flamini & Bellerin. Bellerin is his ankle & Flamini has a tight hamstring. We’ll have tests tomorrow."
culled from goal.com
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