Ruben Amorim singles out ‘special’ Martin Odegaard with warning for Arsenal ahead of FA Cup clash

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Manchester United take on Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup this weekend.

The two teams clashed in the Premier League last month, with Arsenal beating the Reds 2-0, thanks to two corner kicks and shoddy defending.

Manchester United will seek revenge on Sunday as victory would secure them a place in the FA Cup fourth round.

As defending champions, it would be disappointing to crash out in the early rounds of the competitions.

Ruben Amorim will be doing his homework on Arsenal, who sit second in the Premier League, six points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

The United head coach is fully aware of the brilliance of one Arsenal star and has heaped praise on him ahead of the match.

Arsenal are a different team with Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard has been a terrific signing for Arsenal, joining from Real Madrid in 2021.

The Norway international, who weas the Arsenal captain’s armband, has been one of Arteta’s best players for years.

Odegaard missed two months of action due to an ankle injury this season. However, his return helped Arsenal go 13 games unbeaten, which proves his importance to the team.

Speaking to reporters in his pre-match press conference, Amorim focused on Odegaard, saying Arsenal are a ‘different team’ when he plays.

Amorim also stressed that Arsenal lose games whether Odegaard is available or not.

“I think he’s really special because his influence on all the games of Arsenal is impressive.

“I played against them with Sporting, and he didn’t play both games and you feel it in the team. When he’s playing, Arsenal is a different team.

“They can win and they can lose with Odegaard. I expect a strong team. If Odegaard is in the team, they will be stronger, for sure.”

Odegaard record against Manchester United

Odegaard has played against United on eight separate occasions as an Arsenal player.

Winning five of those matches, Ogegaard has a decent record against the Reds, but Amorim’s side will be aiming to spoil the party this weekend.

Arsenal won’t have Bukayo Saka available due to a muscle injury, meaning Odegaard will take responsibility as the creative spark in Arteta’s team.

United’s defence will need to be at their best – not just from open play, but set-pieces too – to prevent Arsenal from running away with the tie.

Altay Bayindir will hope to avoid being beaten directly by a corner again after conceding one against Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.