Manchester United must not let Arsenal score, insists van der Sar

Edwin van der Sar says Manchester United must not concede tonight if they are to stay on course to become the first side to successfully defend the Champions League.

The United keeper admitted his side lost their way defensively after setting a Premier League record of 14 straight clean sheets earlier this season.

But he claimed their defence still have what it takes to shut out Arsenal's formidable array of attacking talent at Old Trafford.

"It's important to keep Arsenal from scoring in the first leg," said van der Sar.

"We had a great run halfway through the season where we never conceded any goals.

"Suddenly we had five games where we were shaky and then three games where we had clean sheets again.

"We weren't happy about how we conceded two goals to Spurs on Saturday but we've analysed it and learnt our lesson.

"You get more nerves in a European game. You hear the Champions League song before kick-off so you know it's something special.

"It's not just a Premier League game it's a semi-final, so the stakes are high and both teams will do all they can to reach Rome."

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