---
title: "Coquelin talks importance of beating United"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2016/02/25/coquelin-talks-importance-beating-united/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Adam Hamdani"
section: "Arsenal News"
published: "2016-02-25T21:55:23Z"
modified: "2016-02-25T21:55:23Z"
---

# Coquelin talks importance of beating United

Arsenal defender Francis Coquelin has discussed the importance of this Sunday’s game against Manchester United.

The two Premier League giants meet at Old Trafford, with the Gunners boasting the opportunity to top the division by the end of the weekend, dependent on other results going their way.

![Matthew Lewis/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/511686946.jpg)

Arsene Wenger’s side will be up against it however, having not won at the Red Devils’ stadium in the league since 2006 – no less than 10 years ago.

Despite this, the north London side did spring a surprise on Louis van Gaal’s side with Danny Welbeck’s late winner at his former side’s stadium last season in the FA Cup.

With Arsenal going into the game in decent league form, Coquelin, who is expected to play a key part in midfield on the day, [explained to *Arsenal Player*](https://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20160225/-we-have-to-win-these-type-of-games-)the importance of beating Chris Smalling, David de Gea and co.

![Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/465709194.jpg)

> *I think it’s been a difficult \[season\] for Man United but in big games like this, we know that they’re going to turn* up, *because everyone loves* these kind *of matches.*
>
> *It would be a massive win for them to beat us. But we’re going to be ready.*
>
> *We beat Leicester and I think the whole team is conscious that, if we want to win the title, we have to win against* these kind *of teams. Man United are always going to be a great team. Even if they had a bad spell, they still have a strong squad.*
>
> *Last year we didn’t lose to them away from home \[in two matches\]. We showed that we can do something against them away.*
>
> *We won there in the FA Cup and drew there in the league. We’re going to go there full of confidence after what we did last year.*
>
> *We’ve just beaten the team at the top of the league and shown that we have the desire to do well and grab silverware at the end of the season.*

![Jan Kruger/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/511972472.jpg)

United are currently six points off the top four and Manchester rivals City.