Jose Mourinho has a reason why Arsene Wenger might be happy to see him

GiveMeSport

scores

By Danny Ryan

Published May 5, 2017

The latest instalment of the 12-year rivalry takes place on the weekend

The long-standing rivalry between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourino is set for another round this Sunday as Manchester United travel to Arsenal.

The two are renowned for exchanging snide blows with the latter once referring to the former as a "specialist in failure."

It is a relationship built on hatred, similar to that of Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, apart from the fact there appears to be no underlying respect this time around.

Want to become a GMS writer? Sign up now and submit a 250-word test article:http://gms.to/haveyoursay4

But, for Sunday's crucial clash, which could have a huge bearing on the top-four, Mourinho has a pretty good reason why his old nemesis may, for once, be happy to see his often surly face.

That is because the Portuguese coach is set to field an under-strength team for the game due to United's commitments in the Europa League, as reported by The Sun.

The Red Devils lead 1-0 in the tie against Celta Vigo, with Marcus Rashford scoring a vital away goal in Spain on Thursday evening and Mourinho clearly knows where his priorities lie.

He said: “We are going to try. We are not going to Arsenal to say ‘beat us’, or ‘beat us 5 or 6-0’, we are going there to fight for a result.

“But, it’s impossible. I cannot now play with that same team that played here, and then repeat again on the next Thursday.

“So, we have to be human with the players, we have to be sensible and common sense in relation to our situation in the Premier League.

“I think the last match against Swansea was last our last chance to fight for top four, so I am going to rest players, sure.

“When there is peace, we don’t have to have problem. I am a big boy, I’m in football all my life, I know a problem on the pitch, the next day is not a problem at all.

“So for me not a problem at all and I think he will be really pleased with me that I am going to change my team against Arsenal, so I think he’ll be really happy with me!”

So, we could be in for a very anti-climatic instalment of the notorious 12-year rivalry between the managers.

Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba are among those likely to be rested, with all four having injury issues in the hectic schedule over the last few weeks.

Arsenal, on the other hand, will be looking to field their strongest side possible despite the fact they have a league game next Wednesday evening against Southampton.