Tomasz Kuszczak Exclusive: Manchester United have opportunity in Arsenal FA Cup tie

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak says his old club have an opportunity to gain momentum with another positive performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup this weekend. 

Ruben Amorim's side travel to the Emirates Stadium in the competition's third round after a positive display in their 2-2 draw against Liverpool last week. 

United were an attacking threat throughout the game at Anfield but have struggled for consistency in recent years. 

A stunning 2-1 victory over rivals Manchester City last month was followed by three consecutive Premier League defeats, leaving them 13th in the table. 

Kuszczak: 'Amorim demands 100% from his players'

Ex-Poland international Kuszczak enjoyed five years as backup goalkeeper at Old Trafford and won three Premier Leagues, two League Cups and a Champions League during his time with the club. 

United have since fallen on hard times and while they've still been competing for domestic cups, Kuszczak admits Amorim will need time to reinstill a winning mentality. 

Speaking exclusively to Odds Now via 888sport, he said: "Ruben Amorim is striving for consistency, and he has shown a strong presence in the media which he will want to filter through to the players.

"He demands 100% across the board, whether it be in training or the game and a highly professional attitude throughout. Amorim is looking for this, but it will take time."

The lack of consistency has been a particular source of frustration, with United yet to record consecutive league victories 20 matches into the season. 

However, Kuszczak insists his old side have an opportunity to build on the positive signs from the Liverpool game against Arsenal this weekend.

"From my time under Sir Alex, it was like a family inside the club, you can tell everyone understood what it meant to play for Manchester United, to give your all, all of the time and know what it takes to win.

"Better consistency can be a start and after last week, there is no better way than against a good Arsenal team, to repeat the performance."

Patience will be needed if Amorim is to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

The importance of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho

The club haven't been helped by several off-field distractions, including recent reports suggesting young players Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho could be available for sale in order to ensure compliance with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules. 

Midfielder Mainoo particularly stood out at Anfield last week, putting in a peformance which exuded maturity beyond his years as his side avoided defeat at Anfield for a second consecutive season. 

Kuszczak remained coy on any speculation surrounding potential transfers away for both, but admits they fit the mould of player Amorim will want to keep moving forward. 

"I am not sure about [reports suggesting both are up for sale], but Amorim is fully aware he will need to get his type of players in the squad for Manchester United to turn this around.

"If It means getting funds by transfers then this will be the case, but Garnacho and Mainoo I would think would be two players top of the list of who he would want to keep and build the team around."

Mainoo stood out during the 2-2 draw with Liverpool. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

Another man who does look set to depart Old Trafford is forward Marcus Rashford. 

The Englishman was banished from the playing squad, alongside the aforementioned Garnacho, ahead of the Manchester Derby last month but, unlike Garnacho, has not yet featured since. 

Despite registering 30 goals in all competitions in 2022/23, Rashford has only managed to score on 15 occasions since.

His agent has reportedly met with AC Milan this week to discuss a potential loan deal and Kuszczak admits the 27-year-old's future looks as though it will be away from Old Trafford. 

"Marcus is a fantastic footballer. You see what he has done over the years for Manchester United. He has top quality, there is no doubting his talent whatsoever.

"Scoring 30+ in a season for Manchester United, many big goals as well, I am a big fan. The current situation isn't great for any one and the sooner it is resolved, the better for everyone.

"I hope he can stay, but it does look unlikely."

Milan are currently 2/1 favourites to be Rashford's next destination, while him staying at United beyond the January currently sits at 4/1 generally. 

Regardless of whether the forward is in Amorim's plans, the Portuguese manager will be eager to follow last week's performance with a win against Arsenal on Sunday. 

Their north London hosts still enter odds-on favourites at 13/17 though, while United come in at a mighty 4/1 to spring up a shock in the capital. 

Kuszczak was speaking exclusively to Odds Now via 888sport.