United to face weakened Arsenal
Manchester United vs Arsenal |
United defender Phil Jones is confident he can be a success at Old Trafford, despite the expectations at the club whose fans expect it to win trophies like the Premier League title every season.
United are joint top of the early-season table with two wins from as many games alongside rivals Manchester City and surprise package Wolves going into Sunday's tough home game against Arsenal.
Jones, signed in the summer following a fine debut season for Blackburn, said on www.manutd.com: "You know the expectations here are big, but you feel that in every game you play for any team.
"You've got to go out and do the business on the pitch and it's no different here. It's just fantastic to be part of such an exciting squad - there's such a great mix of young and experienced players."
Jones has enjoyed his time so far with the Red Devils, and has been happy to get pre-season under his belt.
He added: "I've settled in really well and I'm very happy here. It was good to spend time with the lads on tour - that helped a lot in terms of getting to know everyone and they've all made me feel really welcome."
The problems facing United's opponents at Old Trafford on Sunday, Arsenal, have eased somewhat after a traumatic time for the club and manager Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners sit in the bottom half of the table with one point from two games after a poor start to the season which has been mirrored by problems off the field as well.
The sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, have weakened the team who will be without Gervinho, Alex Song and Emmanuel Frimpong to face United because of suspension.
Midfielder Jack Wilshere is struggling with an ankle injury too, but Laurent Koscielny (back), Nicklas Bendtner, Abou Diaby (both ankle), Kieran Gibbs (hamstring) and Sebastien Squillaci could be available.
Table-toppers Manchester City visit Tottenham who play their first home league match of the season after their opening fixture of the campaign had to be postponed because of rioting in London.
City manager Roberto Mancini will hope to have Nasri available and that he will make the same impact as fellow summer signing Sergio Aguero who has netted two goals in as many Premier League games since his move from Atletico Madrid.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has had his own transfer saga to deal with over Luka Modric's stated desire to join Chelsea.
Tottenham have so far rejected Chelsea's advances for the player, and Redknapp hopes the matter can be put to bed after revealing chairman Daniel Levy had been in touch with the Stamford Bridge club.
Redknapp said: "He said he spoke to Chelsea and he told them, 'Let's put an end to this because it's not going to happen'.''
Redknapp is working on signing City striker Emmanuel Adebayor on loan but the deal, even if done in time for Sunday's game, would not allow the player to face his parent club.
There are doubts over several Tottenham players because of injury - Steven Pienaar (groin), Wilson Palacios (knee), Jermaine Jenas (Achilles), Ledley King (knee), Alan Hutton (knee), William Gallas (calf) and Sandro (knee).
In the other Sunday fixtures Newcastle play Fulham, with the Magpies' midfielder Joey Barton poised to move to QPR, and West Brom are at home to Stoke with the former looking for their first point of the season.
Wolves and Aston Villa find themselves in the top four after both have made a good start to the season and they face off on Saturday at Villa Park.
The other Saturday fixtures see Blackburn play Everton, Chelsea at home to Norwich, Liverpool take on Bolton, Swansea face Sunderland and Wigan play QPR.
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