RUBEN'S SURVIVAL MISSION

Europe is priority now

- DAVID MCDONNELL

DURING the epic rivalry between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, clashes between Manchester United and Arsenal were the high point of the season.

But for United boss Ruben Amorim, tomorrow's encounter at Old Trafford is an unwanted fixture ahead of their biggest game of the season - Thursday's make-or-break Europa League tie against Real Sociedad.

With 10 players unavailable through injury, Amorim’s chief aim will be to navigate the encounter against Mikel Arteta's side without losing further personnel, irrespective of the result, with United down in 14th place in the Premier League.

Tomorrow’s game, once the Premier League’s standout fixture, has become 'Survival Sunday' for Amorim and United, with the bigger picture far more significant.