(Manchester united News)
Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn believes the more creative players will have the decisive influence when Manchester United face the Gunners in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The former full-back experienced some fiery battles against the Reds during 14 years as a player with the north London club. But Winterburn feels finesse rather than physique will come to the fore when the clubs clash again at Old Trafford on Monday night, with the more technical stars such as Angel Di Maria performing a crucial role in deciding which side progresses to the penultimate stage of the competition.
"I always look out for players who have the necessary class and quality to disturb the back four, which means good movement and the willingness to make runs in behind defenders,” Winterburn explained to ManUtd.com.
“I think if you play in front of your opponents too much, they can organise and frustrate you. That's why I think players like Angel Di Maria can make the difference. He can carry the ball on his own. Players like him have the ability to run with the ball at speed and pick a pass.
“Obviously you’re expecting to get a good team performance anyway, but you still need your real top players to give you that little bit extra. Your creative players have to turn up for the big games. I think the team whose creative players do that will win the game."
