Arsene Wenger will experience his last ever showdown against Manchester United as Arsenal manager on Sunday as he prepares to leave the Emirates after two decades.

The Frenchman has had some fierce battles with the Red Devils over the years, particularly during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

This weekend, though, former Arsenal player Paul Merson thinks that the Gunners will be distracted due to their upcoming Europa League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Winning the competition is of huge importance to the North London outfit as it is their only way of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

At the moment, with just four games left to play in the Premier League, Arsenal are 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners are not in a comfortable position as they drew 1-1 with Atletico at the Emirates on Thursday, and the away goal gives the Spanish side the advantage heading into the second leg next week.

In a piece for Sky Sports, Merson claimed that Arsenal will not field their strongest team and he predicts that they will suffer a 3-0 loss.

“Arsenal have got no choice but to rest players at Old Trafford. They can't get in the top four so the Europa League is the priority and their only route into the Champions League next season. I cannot begin to think who will start against United because they have to rest, so it's a good time to play Arsenal. It's a shame for Arsene Wenger that this game comes in between the Atletico Madrid games, but winning the Europa League would make up for defeat on his last trip to Old Trafford.”

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