De Gea: Ten Hag v Arteta can be the new Ferguson v Wenger

United – currently on 10-game unbeaten streak – will lock horns once again with a table-topping Arsenal side who have not lost in the Premier League since the beginning of September, when they were defeated 3-1 at Old Trafford.

Ahead of this highly anticipated match-up, De Gea outlined his hope that Ten Hag and Arteta can enjoy a similar rivalry to what Ferguson and Wenger built up from the late ’90s until the early 2010s, when both teams continued to fight at the summit of English football's top table.

“I hope so,” said David when asked about the prospect of such a battle between the two managers.

“We are talking about one of the best managers in history, probably, [in] Sir Alex, and [Wenger], so there’s different eras.

“I think football has changed a little bit, but I think both managers are really good now. Arsenal are playing well, so it’s going to be a big game.”

The United shot-stopper is also pleased to see the clubs settled and battling towards the top end of the Premier League table ahead of the latest encounter, following a number of tough seasons for both sides over recent years.

“Yeah, of course [it’s good to see United and Arsenal performing well],” he said. “Both teams have been massive clubs. They are great teams, always playing to win trophies.

“So it’s nice to play now and both teams are in a good shape, playing well. So yeah, it’s going to be a massive game, of course, and we want to win. We are going there to try to beat them.”

David is no stranger to clashes between United and Arsenal, of course, having played against the Gunners 23 times for the Reds, and 11 times at the Emirates Stadium.

Of course, you can't mention De Gea and the Gunners without remembering our 3-1 win at the Emirates in December 2017, when David produced a remarkable 14 saves in a super display.

The Spaniard says he remembers that match fondly, and he is hoping for similar success in the capital this weekend.

“That was a great game,” he said. “Especially because we won that game. Hopefully I can make another big [performance], and the team together, and this could be a massive three points for us.

“It’s always tough. Especially there [at the Emirates], playing there. They always have quality players; they want to play from the back, and they have fast players in front.

“They are a great team and it is a nice game to play. So let’s go, let’s go there and try to win.”