Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has singled out Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard for praise ahead of their FA Cup third-round tie on Sunday.
Neither team can afford a defeat, as it would be damaging.
The Gunners are looking to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
Although United fought back to draw 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield last week, they have failed to win any of their last six matches in all competitions.
On their last visit to Arsenal, United lost 2-0 in the Premier League, with both goals coming from set pieces.
Arsenal’s reliance on corners and free-kicks has been well documented this season, but despite his lack of goals and assists, Amorim believes Ødegaard remains one of the best playmakers in the game.
“I think he is really special because his influence on all the games of Arsenal is impressive. I played against them with Sporting and he didn’t play in both games, and you feel it in the team. When he’s playing, Arsenal are a different team,” Amorim told reporters on Friday.
