Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim believes Arsenal will be "stronger" if captain Martin Odegaard starts Sunday's FA Cup third round clash at the Emirates Stadium.

The Norway international, 26, was recalled to the starting XI for Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday after starting last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Brighton on the bench.

Odegaard, along with teammate Kai Havertz, has been struggling with illness of late, meaning he was not considered fit enough to start the Seagulls stalemate. However, he played the full 90 minutes of the defeat to Newcastle in midweek.

READ MORE: Leny Yoro disagrees with Cristiano Ronaldo after opening up on life at Manchester United

READ MORE: Rasmus Hojlund breaks silence on set-piece weakness ahead of Manchester United vs Arsenal

Odegaard has not been as influential as he has been in the past for Arsenal so far this season, scoring just one goal and registering five assists in 18 games across all competitions. However, he was sidelined for the best part of two months with an ankle injury between September and November.

Despite his attacking output not looking as impressive as it so often does, Amorim is wary of the threat the former Real Madrid man will pose on Sunday if selected, having come up against him in the past.

"I think he is really special because his influence on all the games of Arsenal is impressive," Amorim said, speaking at Friday's pre-match press conference. "I played against them with Sporting, he didn't play both games and you feel it in the team.

"When he is playing, Arsenal is a different team. But they can win or lose without Odegaard, so I expect a strong team. If Odegaard is in the team they will be stronger."