Arsene Wenger says he is excited about the prospect of facing Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

The holders travel to Old Trafford on Monday, March 9, having progressed serenely to the last eight with victories over Hull City, Brighton and Middlesbrough.

Arsenal were beaten by Louis van Gaal’s team in the league earlier this season but Wenger was encouraged by his team’s performance in that 2-1 defeat at Emirates Stadium.

“We came out of the first game with some frustration because we had produced a performance and didn’t get a result,” the manager told Arsenal.com. “That can happen in football. But if you produce a performance, nine times out of 10 you will win the game. That’s what we want to reiterate.

“It’s an interesting and exciting draw," he added. "We are the holders of this cup and we want to do absolutely everything to keep it. At some stage you have [to play the bigger teams].

“Last year we played Liverpool, Everton, Tottenham and that’s what you do to get through. It’s a good opportunity for us that we want to take.”