Arshavin: Manchester United So Much Stronger With Ronaldo

The Russian maestro-Arshavin is aiming to conduct a campaign of reprisal at Old Trafford on Saturday, and thinks the Red Devils are less of a team without their Portuguese talisman.
The Russian thinks that the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo severely affects the Red Devils, and that they are a significantly less challenging prospect to face than when the Ballon d'Or winner is fit and firing.

"The Portuguese forward generally means a lot for them, take him away and United would be much weaker," he told Four-Four-Two magazine.
"We'll only manage to win if we can find their weaknesses, which is not easy. On the surface only strong features are visible."

The Gunners travel to Manchester for a Saturday lunchtime kick-off, with the game significant only because, if Alex Ferguson's men claim at least a point, then they will become champions. Arshavin clearly feels that it is the Red Devils' defensive line that gives them their fundamental strength, allied to a near-perfect attacking line-up.


"A very good goalkeeper, probably the best defence in the world, and a perfect attacking line with Rooney, Berbatov and particularly Ronaldo," he explained.

Arsenal have already guaranteed themselves fourth place in the table, but now have no prospect of reaching third.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com