Crystal Palace star Yannick Bolasie has revealed he “didn’t like” Manchester United during his formative years, as he was an Arsenal supporter.
Bolasie’s family moved from France to south London while he was still a baby, and the winger adopted a team from the capital, albeit one north of the River Thames.
He witnessed some of the finest moments in Arsenal’s history during his teenage years, as Arsene Wenger led the Gunners to an unprecedented unbeaten Premier League season in 2003/04.
During Wenger’s first decade in charge of the side, United were the great rivals of Arsenal, with the two illustrious clubs battling at the top of the Premier League and in the FA Cup.
Bolasie now has an opportunity to beat the Red Devils in an FA Cup final – as Arsenal did in 2005 – when his Palace team travel to Wembley on Saturday.
Ahead of that game, the 26-year-old revealed his distaste for the North West giants, while suggesting that the pressure to win is firmly on United.
He said, as reported by the South London Press: “I was an Arsenal fan and [United] used to win everything – I didn’t like them.
“Looking at the FA Cup now, they expect to win. United’s that kind of club.
“Everyone always expects them to win trophies and if they leave without a trophy this season that’ll be disappointing for them.”
In the Premier League this season, Bolasie featured in 26 matches, scoring five goals – one of which was an equaliser against Arsenal at the Emirates.
He played in Palace’s home game against United this term, winning 4/7 take- ons but failing to create a single chance for his teammates.
COMMENTS