“I’m scared of that particular Man United’s player because the last time we faced them, he made me restless with his sublime skills…I’m really scared to be honest”: Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has openly admitted his he’s scared of facing Man United because of ONE player

Once upon a time, Manchester United were said to be on the brink of signing Jurrien Timber, well before he moved to Arsenal.

Whilst he was in charge, Erik ten Hag was thought to have been pushing for Man United to sign Timber from his old club Ajax, who agreed a deal with Arsenal one year later in 2023.

And whilst Timber missed the vast majority of his debut campaign in north London owing to injury, he has since proved how vital he can go on to be for Mikel Arteta.

The Dutch international is able to excel in any position at the back, perhaps explaining why Ten Hag was so keen to lure the defender to Old Trafford.

Instead, Timber will once again face United on Sunday in the FA Cup, when he’ll play against a few of his international teammates.

Jurrien Timber ready for duel with Netherlands teammate Joshua Zirkzee
Speaking to Hayters TV ahead of the game, Timber was asked about the prospect of facing United following their impressive 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

Talking immediately after Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup, Timber was determined to give fans in N5 a result to be more cheerful about.

Timber said: “United is always a big game, another cup game like you said, and yeah, United at home you want to win and give the fans something to celebrate, so we’re going to give it our all on Sunday.”

He was then asked about whether he had already spoken to United’s Dutch players ahead of the tie: Matthijs de Ligt, Tyrell Malacia and Joshua Zirkzee.

Timber replied: “No not yet, I’ll speak to them after the game when everything is done, but it’s always fun to see those guys again.

“I think we played them already (United), I think like a month ago, so we know what we’re getting.

“We know that they have a good squad with a lot of good players so it’s not going to be easy but we’ll be ready.”

Ruben Amorim will be wary of Arsenal’s set-pieces
Of course, Timber actually scored against United in the 2-0 victory he was referring to back at the start of December.

Arsenal punished Ruben Amorim’s side with their excellent set-piece routines, ones that Andre Onana and United’s defenders were unable to get to grips with.

Amorim commented on Arsenal’s corners, something he’ll hope that his team will be much better prepared to face this time around.

A crucial tie for Arsenal in particular, who can’t afford to throw away another avenue to a much-needed trophy.

United will also want to progress for obvious reasons, but the club’s longer-term plan under Amorim is perhaps more important than individual results right now.