Erik ten Hag and Mikel Arteta have a long way to go before they can be compared to Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, but David de Gea is hopeful that both bosses could reignite a rivalry that has lost its fire in recent years.
De Gea will be the only player on the pitch at the Emirates this weekend with experience of the days of Manchester United vs Arsenal when Ferguson and Wenger ruled, although the Spaniard missed out on the height of what was, at one stage, the greatest rivalry the Premier League had ever seen.
For nine seasons, between 1995/96 and 2003/04, United and Arsenal shared every Premier League title. For five of those years they finished first and second and some of the battles they shared are part of the fabric of Premier League history.
READ MORE: Ten Hag has done what it took Arteta years to do
The 2003/04 title remains the last Arsenal have won and United will bring up a decade without winning the league this season, but for both, there are signs they are on their way back.
Ten Hag has made the best start to life at United of any of the five permanent managers since Ferguson's retirement, while Arteta has steered Arsenal back to the top of the league after years of drift, initially under Wenger and then during Unai Emery's reign.
United are eight points behind Arsenal going into the weekend and the Gunners are favourites to finally end their long wait for the title, but there is also a sense that this is just the beginning of a renewed rivalry between two of England's most storied clubs.
"I hope so," said De Gea, who will play against Arsenal for the 24th time this weekend, but still managed to briefly forget Wenger's name when speaking ahead of the fixture.
"We’re talking about one of the best managers in history, Sir Alex, and the guy from Arsenal. It's different eras, different football, football has changed a bit, but let’s see. Both managers are really good now, they’re playing well and it’s going to be a nice game."
United could have edged themselves to within six points of Arsenal by holding on to their win at Crystal Palace on Wednesday, but the late equaliser they conceded has given Arteta's side some breathing room.
They haven't met as rivals at the top of the table since 2007 and Manchester City sit between them now, but Sunday's fixture is as big a domestic game as the two have played for a long time, especially in the case of Arsenal.
"Both teams have always been massive clubs, great teams, always playing to win trophies. So, it’s nice to play now when both teams are in a good shape and playing well," said De Gea.
"It’s going to be a massive game. We want to win and we will go to London to try to beat them. Everyone knows how big the game on Sunday is, especially as we are there fighting for the top places."
In December 2017 De Gea made an astonishing 14 saves during a United success at the Emirates, but this version of Ten Hag's side have enjoyed an excellent record against the big six this season, including winning the reserve fixture 3-1.
But their challenge at the Emirates is going to be made more difficult by Casemiro's suspension, with the defensive midfielder collecting a fifth booking of the season just 10 minutes from time at Selhurst Park in midweek.
When De Gea was asked about the significance of his absence, he didn't hide the impact he feels it could have, as well as the fact United had to play in the week.
"Massive. Massive," he said of the loss of Casemiro. "We played [Wednesday] and they don’t.
"We have a massive miss for Sunday’s game, one of the best players of the team. So going to be a big miss. We have more players who want to play and will show their qualities."
Asked what the 30-year-old Brazilian had brought to United since his move from Real Madrid, De Gea said: "Experience, a lot of experience.
"All over the pitch he’s helping the team, on defensive, on attacking, he’s one of the best in the world in his position for sure. His experience is unbelievable and he’s great to have in the team."
READ NEXT:
