Arsenal vs. Manchester United: Louis van Gaal Talks Arsene Wenger Tenure, Record

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has praised Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger ahead of their showdown on Sunday—but the Dutchman admitted he wouldn't accept Wenger's record of 11 years without a Premier League title.

According to the Mirror's David McDonnell, Van Gaal said of Wenger's title record:

"

That’s difficult to answer, because I have won a lot of titles and that’s also my aim. 

I wanted to do that in different countries. Not only in the Netherlands, but after that in Spain and after that in Germany and after that England.

That’s my ambition. That’s why already I am answering your question. I am not that type. I like to win a lot.

"

The Gunners have won two FA Cups in consecutive seasons, but they endured a nine-year wait for silverware prior to that.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Van Gaal was hardly attacking Wenger in the manner Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is so accustomed to, though, and he also reserved plenty of praise for the Frenchman, who, as McDonnell noted, recently reached a milestone 19th year with the Gunners. He added:

"

I think he’s doing great work. When you can, like Sir Alex Ferguson, stay in a club for such a long time, you have to be very good, otherwise you shall not succeed.

So I think Arsene Wenger is one of the best coaches in the world, as is Sir Alex, who is the best, as he won the most titles.

But Arsene Wenger, when you are with one club for a long time, and everyone is satisfied—the fans, the board, the players—then you are very good, believe me.

"

While Wenger's tenure has seen nine major trophies arrive in north London and the club contest a Champions League final, the Gunners' recent failure to compete for domestic and European titles as well as in the transfer market has drawn significant criticism from fans.

Last year, irate supporters launched a #WengerOut campaign on Twitter, as noted by Jack Wilson of the Daily Star. There was uproar yet again in September, when the transfer window closed with Arsenal the only team in Europe's top five leagues who were unable to land a single senior outfield player.

Most recently, Wenger's decision to field David Ospina ahead of summer signing Petr Cech in their must-win match with Olympiakos—which the Gunners lost in part due to an Ospina gaffe—has led to more criticism of the manager.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

One of their most glaring weaknesses in recent years has been their struggle to pick up vital points against fellow title rivals like United, Chelsea and Manchester City.

A shock 2-0 win at the Etihad in January hinted the Gunners' may have gotten over that hurdle, but their defeat to struggling Chelsea this season shows they still have a long way to go before they can do it consistently.

Should Arsenal suffer a home defeat to the Red Devils on Sunday, the Frenchman will inevitably be forced to endure yet more pressure from the increasingly frustrated Gunners faithful.

There's no suggestion Wenger will walk or be relieved of his duties—the board have stuck with him through thick and thin.

For Arsenal to challenge for titles, there needs to be some big changes, though, starting with their business in the transfer window and Wenger's potentially misguided loyalty to players who perhaps aren't good enough—like Ospina.

Until then, their woes look set to continue, and United look likely to compound their misery on Sunday.