Marouane Fellaini believes Manchester United need to show collective spirit throughout December as Arsenal are next up at Old Trafford.
The Belgian followed up his dramatic injury-time winner in the Champions League against Young Boys, that clinched qualification for the knockout stages, with another start in the 2-2 draw at Southampton.
Although there was disappointment at dropping points against the Saints, in what proved to be Reds legend Mark Hughes's last match in charge, Fellaini believes the team's spirit, which at least fuelled a swift comeback from conceding two early goals at St Mary's, will be crucial for the seven games that still remain before the year is out.
“I think the spirit is always good in the team,”
he told United Review, the official match programme. “We always want to win. We show that.
”Sometimes, okay, this season it has not happened and we didn’t show enough, but we have to keep the good spirit.
“The spirit is important. We have got to keep that going and it will be vital this month because we have a lot of games.”
The Gunners extended their unbeaten run to 19 games with a thrilling 4-2 triumph over Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday.
Unai Emery's side are dealing with a taxing schedule themselves, with their Europa League participation necessitating Thursday fixtures, but they will surely enter this game in confident mood.
“The demands are the same for both teams,”
added Fellaini, who scored another of his late United winners when Arsenal last came to Old Trafford in April.
“It was a good win [last season]. I think it will be another good game at Old Trafford against good opponents, tough opponents, so I’m looking forward to the match.
”It will be a real test to play against a good team who are doing well. It’s a challenge for us as well. I think it will be a great game.“
United Review, the official match programme, is available online and at the stadium before Wednesday's match.