Pallister: Reds Can Handle Arsenal

Gary Pallister believes Manchester United can handle the pressure leading into Sunday's 'titanic' tussle with Arsenal at Old Trafford.

The Barclays Premier League champions sit eight points behind the table-topping Gunners and will feel that victory over Arsene Wenger's side is crucial to continuing the process of pegging back the leaders.

Former Reds star Pallister, who was supporting the Manchester United Foundation Chevrolet Trax eBay auction, was asked for his assessment of the start to the 2013/2014 campaign.

"I guess it's been middle of the road," he conceded. "You can't get away from that. There have been a few disappointments but some good performances in there as well. Hopefully, we're starting to hit our straps a little bit as the last few games have been good and you've seen a decisive United side.

"But it's going to be a big test come Sunday. This Arsenal team have started the season fantastically well and are playing great football with style and panache. They've still got their detractors out there who think they are not good enough to win the title but I don't think Arsenal are going to be too far away.

I think they are a fantastic side so it will be one hell of a titanic battle on Sunday. It will tell Manchester United a lot more about where they are this season."

When asked to identify the main threats posed by the Londoners, Pallister made it clear that there is a glittering array of attacking talent at Wenger's disposal.

"There's Ozil, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere, Ramsey," he replied. "Giroud is hitting some form. Arsenal have got great attacking intent and they are rightly top of the league. They are playing the best football at the moment and you would pay to go and watch them. They're very silky and energetic, playing with abandon. Purists would pay to watch Arsenal because they entertain and play a brand of football that Arsene Wenger tried to implement a number of years ago that is exciting to see.

"It's a big game for United and we'll see what we've learned from the early part of the season. It's not been a great start but we're maybe coming into a little bit of form. I think it is a vital game for us. If we were to lose, I think it makes it very difficult for us. Arsenal would be 11 points clear and I reckon it would be quite a while before we can make up 11 points on them.

"I think Arsenal will feel it's a bigger game for United and the pressure is heaped on us. But those players know how to respond to that as they have been through it many times and know what it takes to win this type of game. United know the pressure is on and it's a must-win game for them so I'm sure they will be ready and can't wait to get stuck in on Sunday."

Former centre-back Pallister is convinced that the media were eagerly anticipating United losing an air of invincibility following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement but feels the appointment of David Moyes will ensure the club continues to compete for the top honours.

"Listen, everybody was wanting the team to get off to this kind of start," he asserted. "They have been looking for a bit of fallibility in United for a long time. The manager left after 26 years, there's a new man at the helm and everything is being scrutinised and dissected.

"The amount of points dropped has been disappointing but we knew it was always going to be a tough start with Liverpool and Manchester City away and Chelsea at home. So it was always going to be difficult to get any momentum as you can always lose those games. Losing to West Brom wasn't on the cards, though, and drawing with Southampton wasn't in the script either, even if I think they are a very good team.

"It took a bit of steam out of the team but I've said many times that I think we've got the right man for the job. Once he gets his feet right under the table and understands more about his team - and they understand more about Moyes' methods and his coaching staff - I think this team will only get better."