Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has revealed that matches against Arsenal are extra special to him as he was a Gunners supporter growing up.
The 26-year-old, whose side are set to face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, missed the Red Devils’ 5-1 rout of FC Midtyjlland in their Europa League Round of 32 second leg clash on Thursday with an injury he picked up during their 3-0 win over Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup on Monday night.
However, Smalling is hopeful about returning to action against the Gunners at Old Trafford, a fixture he relishes playing.
“I always look forward to these games”, he told United Review, the club's official matchday programme.
“It’s no secret that I was an Arsenal supporter growing up, so this fixture is even bigger for me and especially given it involves two of the biggest teams in the country.
relatedNewsStory
“I hope I can step out onto the field.”
Manchester United, who were thrashed 3-0 by Arsenal in the corresponding fixture at the Emirates Stadium in early October, are currently fifth in the Premier League with 41 points from 26 games, six points adrift of top four.
On the other hand, Arsenal are battling for the Premier League title, with Arsene Wenger’s team presently being two points behind surprise leaders Leicester City.
