Arsene Wenger has admitted to being 'surprised' by his Arsenal players embracing their Manchester United contemporaries before kick-off. Former United defender Phil Neville criticised the cordial way players from both sides were seen joking and hugging each other before kick-off, a far cry from the frosty atmosphere that pervaded his own encounters with the Gunners. "I think I understand that the pundits are a bit surprised by that because 10 or 15 years ago that did not exist," Wenger said. "You can watch Real Madrid against Barcelona -- it's the same because people play together, come from the same country. "I was surprised as well I must say, but I must confess as well that it doesn't stop the players to focus and concentrate after on the game."

Source: Standard Digital May 09, 2017 13:30 UTC