Arsene Wenger determined to seal third place in the Premier League

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is determined to guide his side to victory over Manchester United to ensure that they avoid the qualifying stages of the Champions League.

The Gunners are currently in third place in the Premier League, which would guarantee them an automatic spot in the group stages of Europe's elite competition.

However, United trail Wenger's side by two points ahead of their clash on Sunday, and the Frenchman has insisted that they have to take the initiative in the game to end the Red Devils' challenge for third place.

Wenger told reporters: "At the moment we are focused on finishing as high as we can and finishing the season well. After that we will deal with the consequences. We know we are in the top four. We know we can do better, so let's go for it.

"At the end of the day, the team who finishes fifth would love to have that tension [of a qualifying tie], so we cannot complain. We have had to deal with that for a few years now and if we can get straight into the competition it would be better.

"You have more chance to lose the [European] game than to win it, so sometimes you pay the price in the Premier League."

Arsenal face United at Old Trafford on Sunday.