Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[asiancigar]

United strikes fear into rivals

It may not have started the season with the swagger of a defending champion, but having swept all before it of late, John O'Shea believes Manchester United has rediscovered its fear factor and senses opposing teams are running scared.

United's 4-2 win over Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League in Ukraine on Tuesday was the third successive game in which Alex Ferguson's team has found the net four times.

With Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez now scaling the heights expected of them, O'Shea believes Manchester United could take some stopping in its pursuit of yet more silverware.

Such bold declarations will carry greater weight if United can overcome Arsenal, which is probably in even finer form, at Emirates Stadium in London on Saturday week.

However, it is hard not to have been impressed by the strength in depth of a team operating without many first-choice players.

Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Louis Saha, Gary Neville, Park Ji Sung, Mikael Silvestre and Ben Foster are injured, and they were joined on the treatment table this week by Patrice Evra, the left back, and, most worryingly, Paul Scholes.

The midfield player underwent a scan on a knee problem sustained during training in Kiev on Monday.

While no medical bulletin has been forthcoming from Old Trafford, the injury to Scholes is cause for concern.

But with such a wealth of talent, United has demonstrated it is better equipped to deal with a raft of injuries than last season, when a long casualty list resulted in it tripping up in the semi-finals of the Champions League against AC Milan and in the FA Cup final against Chelsea.

But it is the form of Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez and Ryan Giggs that had O'Shea delighted as he left the Olimpiyskiy Stadium in the Ukrainian capital. Rooney, on the eve of his 22nd birthday, took his goals tally to seven in six matches for club and country, Ronaldo's two goals meant that he has scored six in his past seven starts, while Tevez is starting to show why Ferguson courted the Argentina forward so persistently in the off-season.

"It seems that every time we attack, with the pace and power of Wayne, Ronaldo, Tevez and Giggsy, who looked like he was 19 at some stages against Kiev, we can score," O'Shea said.

"Training against them gives you a great opportunity to improve your technique because nine times out of 10 they are still going past you.

"It's great to be involved in a team that has so much attacking power because you know that, while it was disappointing to have conceded two goals against Kiev, we have been keeping a lot of clean sheets and just know that we are going to score goals.

"You sense that some teams are maybe scared of us. Nights like this one against Kiev make teams aware of what we are capable.

"When teams come to Old Trafford they like to play five in midfield and try to play for the draw, but with the attack we have, they are going to be very wary of just trying to defend against that lot."

Such is the potency of United's attack that O'Shea believes his job as a defender or midfield player is made all the easier and thinks the team is starting to reap the benefits of having such a big squad.

"It's not a case of feeling unbeatable, but we know that with the players we have, we're going to be creating chances in games," he said.

"There is great strength in depth in this squad and that's a difference between this squad and previous ones.

"We're getting stretched to the limits at the minute, but we're showing we can more than cope."

[Cytan7]

Haha bro, if it is like that, i will attend every match of theirs man. Just like last time, Woodlands are trying to lure Collymore here. In fact, they need to find sponsors to fund his pay.

Originally Posted by asiancigar

I heard Geylang United might consider a bid for Saha..... hehehe

Cheerz
AC

[asiancigar]

Originally Posted by Cytan7

Haha bro, if it is like that, i will attend every match of theirs man. Just like last time, Woodlands are trying to lure Collymore here. In fact, they need to find sponsors to fund his pay.

No need sponsors lah..... Saha will only get paid if he's fit to play.... which is a rare feat.....

And if he plays at least 3 full games in a season.... he will get Lifetime Bonking pass in Geylang area.... kekeke

Cheerz
AC

[asiancigar]

Ferguson: United's Mission Is To Be Undisputed No. 1

Sir Alex Ferguson believes his young Manchester United squad can go on to
conquer the world.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is urging his latest team to believe they can be he the best in the world.

Flushed with United's 4-2 Champions League success in Ukraine against Dynamo Kiev, Ferguson stated: “The last time we had a youthful squad like this, back in 1999, we won the Treble.

“Now it’s time for a new Reds dynasty to step forward, to achieve even more.

"My mission, our mission, is to make United the undisputed No 1 club in England, Europe and the world.

“We want to be challenging, and winning, on all fronts.

“That’s the United way. Never standing still, always striving for higher and higher standards.”

Ferguson is purring about the way his summer signings Carlos Tevez, Nani and
Anderson, who starred in Tuesday’s win in Kiev, are settling in at United.

He said of Tevez: “He’s only 23 and already mentioned in the same breath as one of the all-time greats, Maradona.”

In comments no doubt in part intended for the ear of Premier League pace
-setters Arsenal, who are attracting rave reviews for rge quality if their footbal, and whom United meet soon at the Emirates, Ferguson said he believes teams are running scared of his team's rediscovered scoring prowess.

After struggling to net more than a goal a game for weeks, United have now hit four goals in each of their last three games.

And defender John O’Shea backed his manager, saying: “I think you sense some teams are maybe scared of us.

“I think nights like in Kiev really make teams aware what we are capable of.

“When teams come to Old Trafford, they like to play five in midfield and try to play for the draw.

“But with the attack we have, they are going to be very wary of just trying to defend.

“It seems every time we attack, with the pace and power of Wayne Rooney,
Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Giggsy, we can score.”

[asiancigar]

United boosted by Owen return

OWEN HARGREAVES will start for Manchester United tomorrow.

The England midfielder has been troubled with a knee injury since signing from Bayern Munich for £17million this summer.

But an injection to cure swelling caused by tendinitis appears to have worked.

And boss Alex Ferguson has declared Hargreaves, 26, fit for the clash against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.

He said: “Owen is fit to start tomorrow. It’s been frustrating for him, missing games is not what he came here for.

“He’s come here for a big fee and he must be a bit disappointed with the way things have gone.

“But it is a long season and he is back now which is terrific news for us because it gives us a better chance of doing well.”

Fergie is particularly pleased with Hargreaves' return with Paul Scholes also sidelined with a mysterious knee problem.

He added: “The first scan did not show the problem clearly so we are sending him to see a specialist on Monday to try and find out what the damage is and how we deal with it.

“Hopefully it is not going to be a long one.”

Gary Neville and Michael Carrick could both be fit for the crunch showdown with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in eight days' time.

Neville has not played at all this season with calf and thigh problems, while Carrick is currently nursing a dislocated elbow.

Fergie said: “Neville has been doing a lot of training. He just needs a game which we are trying to arrange for him. He should be fit in seven days.

“Michael Carrick goes for a scan on Monday. If he gets the all-clear to start training, he will be available for Arsenal.”

[dc7176]

Man Utd 4-1 Middlesbrough: Record broken

Manchester United equalled a 100-year-old scoring record as they stormed to the Premier League summit with a clinical 4-1 win over Middlesbrough.

Empics
Head over heels: Nani celebrates his goalNot since the days of Billy Meredith in 1907 had the Red Devils scored four in four successive games.

But, after accounting for Wigan, Aston Villa and Dynamo Kiev, Sir Alex Ferguson's free-scoring champions did it again to pile the pressure on Arsenal ahead of their visit to Liverpool.

Against opponents who had lost only once on their last six league visits to the Theatre of Dreams, Ferguson might have thought his side would be in for a tough afternoon once Jeremie Aliadiere had levelled Nani's spectacular opener.

However, Wayne Rooney profited from Stewart Downing's blunder to put the hosts in front before the break and Carlos Tevez finished the Teessiders off with a second-half double.

It was just the kind of victory Ferguson would have wanted and no matter what happens at Anfield tomorrow, United, with a free midweek in front of them thanks to their shock Carling Cup loss to Coventry, will approach their crunch showdown with Arsene Wenger's men at the Emirates Stadium next Saturday in confident mood.

For once, Ronaldo was not hogging the headlines either, as United's 'other' Portugal winger took centre stage.

Nani had already accounted for Tottenham earlier this season with one blockbuster. Yet even that memorable effort was eclipsed by his latest piledriver.

Taking up possession on halfway, Nani just seemed to amble into the space offered by Boro's backpedalling defence. Thirty yards out, he let fly with an unstoppable shot which flew over Mark Schwarzer and dipped under the crossbar.

Nani's gymnastic celebration was as amazing as the goal and if Tevez had been able to beat Schwarzer with an audacious chip after being released by Ronaldo shortly afterwards, United would have been doing handstands.

Instead, Tevez failed and Aliadiere promptly exposed previously unseen slackness in United's defence, arriving with perfect timing between Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic to nod home Tuncay's cross.

It was the first league goal United had conceded at Old Trafford this season and the first Premier League goal Aliadiere had scored for five years.

And, for a good time afterwards, it appeared as though the French forward would be doing his old Arsenal buddies a very good turn indeed.

However, any team hoping to gain reward from a trip to Old Trafford simply cannot afford the kind of unnecessary blunder Downing made as he dwelled in possession inside his own area and allowed Nani to toe a pass to Rooney which the gleeful striker smashed home.

Downing's error must have hurt even more given he had come within inches of putting Boro ahead when he met another Tuncay cross with a deft header that bounced wide with Edwin van der Sar beaten.

Not that Southgate could count himself especially unlucky to be behind at the break. Ronaldo had wasted two outstanding chances and within 30 seconds of the re-start, Rooney had belted another into the Stretford End after a sublime one-two with Tevez had cut Boro's defence apart.

It was a foretaste of what was to come for Boro, although there was one brief glimmer of hope before the game was taken away when Lee Cattermole, surprisingly preferred to skipper George Boateng, strode onto Tuncay's lay-off and let fly from almost the exact spot Nani had scored from earlier.

This time, Van der Sar was equal to the effort and before the visitors could threaten again, Anderson, Rooney and Tevez had weaved their magic to create United's third.

As they watched Tevez cushion Anderson's pass into Rooney's path, then stride forward to finish in clinical fashion after the England man had returned possession with an inspired back-heel, there could have been no-one left in the stadium, or anywhere else probably, who believes United's twin strikeforce are incapable of playing with each other.

The pair may be similar in size and approach but rather than blunting their individual edge, it just makes the Red Devils twice as dangerous.

With Owen Hargreaves lasting almost three-quarters of the game on only his fourth appearance since arriving from Bayern Munich, the day could not have gone much better for Ferguson and his men.

And the news from Stamford Bridge after the final whistle only brought even more glee.

Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez can become the perfect partners after watching his twin terrors send Manchester United soaring to the Barclays Premier League summit.

Many pundits felt the duo were too similar to play together when Tevez arrived from West Ham. But any doubts over their link-up play have long since been dismissed.

In six games together, the pair have contributed nine goals to six wins, with another three at Old Trafford helping United account for Middlesbrough in a 4-1 win which saw the hosts equal a 100-year-old record.

Not since Billy Meredith's day have the Red Devils scored four times in four successive games and while that record is not likely to be extended in next Saturday's crunch showdown with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, it is the Gunners who should be fearful as Rooney and Tevez scent blood.

'Wayne and Carlos are doing fantastically well together,' said Ferguson.

'They will mature and develop as experienced players. When they do that, hopefully we will see the complete partnership.'

Ferguson claimed United's third goal - and Tevez's first - summed up the effectiveness of their partnership.

After cushioning Anderson's lofted pass into Rooney's path, Tevez continued his run, finishing clinically when the Merseysider returned possession with an inspired back-heel.

'It needed quick thinking, great vision and courage,' said Ferguson.

'Wayne was in the box and he could have taken a touch. But he knows Carlos is making the run and the back-heel puts him in. It was a fantastic goal.'

The sublime effort effectively sealed victory for United, although it had a major rival for goal of the game given Nani had put the hosts in front with an unstoppable 30-yard piledriver even better than the memorable winner against Tottenham two months ago.

'Nani only deals in thunderbolts,' enthused Ferguson.

'He is coming along nicely for us now and he had a great impact today.'

Given their run of 10 straight wins - Carling Cup loss to Coventry apart - Nani's third-minute strike might have put United on easy street for the remainder of the contest.

Instead, Jeremie Aliadiere levelled with his first Premier League goal for five years and the first United had conceded in the league at Old Trafford this term.

The hosts struggled for a while afterwards but, on a day of statistics, Rooney belted them back in front with his eighth goal in seven games for club and country after Stewart Downing had dwelled on the ball too long inside his own area.

Tevez completed victory with a late strike Andrew Taylor's acrobatic dive could not keep out as United's modern day legends joined their counterparts from a century ago in the history books.

With Owen Hargreaves lasting almost three-quarters of the game on only his fourth appearance since arriving from Bayern Munich, the day could not have gone much better for Ferguson and his men.

And the news from Stamford Bridge after the final whistle only brought even more glee as rivals City had been thumped 6-0 by Chelsea.

'For weeks we were only scoring one, now it is four,' said Ferguson.

'Some of our attacking play at times is very good.'

Ferguson was correct but opposite number Gareth Southgate felt his side contained Rooney and Tevez for long periods, only to be undone by their own mistakes.

'The second goal killed us,' he reflected.

'I don't like having to talk about defeats every week but I actually feel better after that performance than against Chelsea last week, when we only conceded two.

'I actually felt we dealt with a lot of the problems United were causing us, although in the end they were too good.'

[SKP2007]

Manchester United went to the top of the Premier League with a 4-1 victory over Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.


Wayne Rooney gave the champions the lead after Jeremie Aliadiere had cancelled out Nani's outstanding third minute goal before Carlos Tevez added a second-half brace.

The Portuguese winger shook off a challenge on the left flank, cut inside and unleashed a shot from all of 30 yards which curled into the top corner.

But the roars from the home crowd were swiftly silenced as struggling Boro levelled within three minutes.

Boro equalised as Tuncay produced some tricky play down the right and his cross was met by Aliadiere whose flicked header came off the inside of the far post and into the net.

It was a first Middlesbrough goal for the former Arsenal striker and the Teessiders came close to taking the lead midway through the first-half when Stewart Downing met Tuncay's cross but planted his header a matter of centimetres past the far post.

However it was the England winger who gifted United the lead when he tried an elaborate turn close to his own penalty area.

That allowed Nani to nip in and poke the ball to Rooney who fired a shot into the back of net for his eighth goal in seven matches for club and country.

Rooney, Ronaldo and Nani were a constant threat to Gareth Southgate's men and United came close to extending their lead when Rooney's cutback from the left found Ronaldo but his shot was straight at Mark Schwarzer.

United dominated after the break and although Lee Cattermole unleashed a drive from 25 yards which Edwin van der Sar was forced to tip over, it was no surprise when they extended the lead with a superb team goal after 55 minutes.

Anderson's chip found Tevez who in turn fed Rooney with a first-time volley. The England man then backheeled into the Argentine's path and he calmly slotted the ball into the corner.

United were in cruise control from then onwards and sealed the win five minutes from time as Rooney launched a lighning counter-attack. He found Tevez whose shot deflected off Andrew Taylor and bounced into the net

[qbdp]

Rooney and Tevez in dreamland

WAYNE Rooney has revealed he is honoured to play alongside Manchester United teammate Carlos Tevez.

The strike pair have formed lethal partnership in recent weeks - and combined to tear Middlesbrough apart on Saturday.

Rooney scored one and Tevez two in the 4-1 win at Old Trafford - but it was their link-up play that proved so impressive.

Both Tevez' strikes came after slick interplay with Rooney - and the duo are fast becoming the most feared pairing in the Premiership.

Critics doubted they could play together when Sir Alex Ferguson swooped for Tevez in the summer - but the United manager has been proven right in his judgement with his dynamic duo putting together some outstanding performances of late.



And Rooney revealed he is revelling playing alongside the Argentine international.

"It is an honour to play in this team and having Carlos alongside me is just brilliant," said the England forward.

"He is such a clever player, really intelligent, and we are working well together."

The pair's burgeoning understanding was no better demonstrated than when Rooney backheeled into Tevez' path for United's third goal.

"The best way to play football is to pass and move and I saw him start his run out of the corner of my eye, so I just gave him the ball," said Rooney.


There's Only ONE UNITED ! ! !

[chickenzip]

Scholes blow for United

Manchester United fear they could be without Paul Scholes for their Premier League clash with Arsenal in 10 days' time. Scholes was forced to pull out of United's Champions League match with Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday after suffering a knee injury in training. It is feared Scholes may need a cartilage operation.

David McDonnell, Daily Mirror

United can rule the world.

That's what Sir Alex has told his young players, apparently. "The last time we had a youthful squad like this, back in 1999, we won the Treble," he told The Sun.

[CibLover]

Originally Posted by chickenzip

[B][U][SIZE="5"].....Manchester United fear they could be without Paul Scholes for their Premier League clash with Arsenal in 10 days' time......

Bro, Scholes is now out for 3 months. Definitely not just the Arsenal game. Looks like Anderson will have tons of opportunity to repay The Gaffer for his fees. Get well soon, Ginger One!!!

================================================== ====

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed on Friday a first scan proved inconclusive - but a second examination today has confirmed ligament damage, meaning Scholes will now be out of action until February.


It is a big blow for Scholes, and also for United, even though the return of Owen Hargreaves for Saturday's Premier League win over Middlesbrough and the imminent return to training of Michael Carrick - who dislocated an elbow against Roma earlier this month - negate the impact slightly.


For over a decade, Scholes has been one of the mainstays of Ferguson's side and his unerring ability to produce goals at vital times has aided many of the Red Devils trophy successes down the years.


He had already made an amazing comeback from career-threatening eye surgery to play a major part in last season's title triumph and while he had only scored once in 12 appearances so far this term, few were discounting him as a massive influence on the current campaign.


Although there were early rumours of a three-month absence, United officials felt they were not in a position to confirm the bad news until a second examination had taken place.


It means the former England star - who has rejected two comeback calls from national boss Steve McClaren - will miss a minimum of 13 Premier League games, starting with Saturday's visit to Arsenal and including the crucial trip to Liverpool on December 16, plus the start of United's FA Cup campaign.


However, Ferguson will be delighted to note Scholes should be back in action - and hopefully fresh - when his side resume their Champions League quest at the knockout stage towards the end of February.

[qbdp]

Carrick set to return

MICHAEL Carrick could be in contention to face Arsenal this weekend with the midfielder expected to be given the all clear to resume training this week.

Carrick dislocated his elbow in the Champions' League victory over Roma last month - and his return will be welcome news following Paul Scholes' lengthy lay off with knee ligament damage.

Indeed Carrick could be the big winner at Manchester United following Scholes' injury, which will keep him out for three months.

While his absence is undoubtedly bad news for the champions, it offers Carrick a route back into Sir Alex Ferguson's first-choice line-up.

The former Tottenham man's swift recovery means he could even make the squad for Saturday's trip to the Emirates Stadium.

He will be thirsting for an opportunity to shine with many expecting him to be on the fringes following Owen Hargreaves' return to fitness.

Rio injury fears quashed

RIO Ferdinand has shaken off injury fears and is set to take his place in the heart of Manchester United's defence against Arsenal on Saturday.

The England international was substituted during the champions' 4-1 win over Middlesbrough last weekend - leading to suggestions he'd suffered a recurrence of the groin problem sustained at the end of last season.

United refused to confirm whether the centre back underwent a scan for the problem - but insisted he will be ready to take on Premiership leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

In a club statement they said: "Reports in Tuesday's press claimed the Reds defender has experienced a recurrence of an old groin injury and would miss the key Premier League clash.

"However, the influential 28-year-old centre-back trained with the rest of the squad at Carrington on Tuesday, and is considered fully fit and ready to play against the Gunners."

It is good news for Sir Alex Ferguson, who yesterday saw midfielder Paul Scholes ruled out for three months after being forced to undergo knee surgery.

However, with Owen Hargreaves returning to duty on Saturday and both Michael Carrick and Gary Neville set to make their comebacks after recent lay-offs, it does appear United's early season injury problems are easing.

There's only ONE UNITED ! ! !

[chickenzip]

Originally Posted by qbdp

Carrick set to return

MICHAEL Carrick could be in contention to face Arsenal this weekend with the midfielder expected to be given the all clear to resume training this week.

It would be nice to see Hargreaves and Carrick, these two English midfielders team again...let's kick some "balls" this weekend...

[asiancigar]

Carlito's way: Tev looks good in red
By Pink Football
31 October 2007

Argentina legend Gabriel Batistuta believes playing at Manchester United will transform Carlos Tevez into one of the greatest players ever.

"Carlito is definitely at the right club at the right time in his career. Playing alongside Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, he can achieve everything he wants," said Batistuta last night, speaking at the British launch of World Football Idol.

"It is much better to be playing with other world-class players than just to be the best player in your side. At West Ham last season, Tevez did a brilliant job and helped the club to stay up. But he had to do a lot of the hard work on his own.

"At Manchester United, having players of the quality of Rooney, Ronaldo, Giggs, Vidic and Ferdinand to help him will make his life much easier. Don't forget that Tevez is still quite young and has only been in Manchester for a few months. It will take him a bit more time to show everyone what he can really do.

"But he is already a fantastic, world-class talent and at his new club he has every tool required to become a true Argentine great."

Batistuta, who made his mark on Serie A with Roma and Fiorentina, also spoke excitedly about the opportunities for Argentinian players in England.

"I've always loved the atmosphere of English soccer and often thought of coming here during my career. But when I was at my peak, the Premier League was not of the same standard as it is now.

"Then there were only one or two teams who stood any chance of winning the title and that was not very exciting for me. That is why I always stayed in Italy.

"But now I watch the English league and it has improved so much. Many of the world's best players are over here now and there are no longer any guarantees that Manchester United or Liverpool will win the title.

"Before, all the Argentines went to Spain or Italy. But with Tevez going so well at Manchester, others might now think about also going to England."

[asiancigar]

Manchester United-Arsenal: Gunning Down the Gunners

This season's most anticipated matchup will take place at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, as the two front-runners for the Premier League title face off.

Sitting pretty at the top of the table with a slender lead in goals scored, Arsenal welcome archrivals Manchester United to break a deadlock in points.

Wenger's young prodigies were hunky-dory with last week's draw in Anfield, but they sent a redoubtable message to the Red Devils via their fatal football against Liverpool:

"Be afraid, very afraid."

Indeed, Arsenal's slick passing, ruthless attack, and rock-solid defence have been the catalysts of their success this season. With Gunners lynchpin Cesc Fabregas firing on all cylinders, United should expect nothing but an acid test from the Saturday showdown.

But why are we only praising Arsenal? United have scored 16 goals in their last four games, have the most clean sheets in the EPL to date, and boast the best attacking partnership of the '07-'08 season.

It's time for the critics to zip their mouths, because Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez have cohered fantastically, scoring 10 goals between them.

They have the same traits—attacking, fierce, and massive—but in recent games Tevez has curtailed his attacking prowess and rediscovered himself as more of a playmaker than a striker.

Newcomers Nani and Anderson have proved their worth in the starting 11—their crafty assists have provided many goals for United. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to shine this season, scoring only six goals so far.

Ronaldo's undoubtedly playing wonderful football, as always—but he's nowhere near last season's eye-catching form. If he wants to contend for the PFA Player of the Year Award with Fabregas, somebody needs to tell him to unveil himself!

Given the loads of talent at United's disposal, what line of action must they employ to scoff at the red-faced Gooners? Will it be an intermittent, ruthless attack, striking the iron when it's hot—or scoring once and concentrating on a rock-steady defence?

Only ardent watchers of United's football this season realize the congruency of my scenarios. From my viewpoint, Arsenal has displayed a blend of these tactics in their play thus far—and since one diamond can cut another, United can, and should, mirror Arsenal throughout the game if want to get the better of the table-toppers.

If they conform to the same tactics, will the game end in a stalemate?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed—if either of the diamonds are sharper, do you know how deep the cut will be?

[asiancigar]

Ferguson loves Arsenal rivalry

Sir Alex Ferguson is feeling all nostalgic as he gears up for a title challenge from Arsenal.

The Manchester United manager wrestled the title back to Old Trafford last season from Chelsea, after Jose Mourinho twice claimed the top prize, but this term it looks as though Arsenal could be their fiercest rivals.

And it is such rivalry that has stoked up memories of Arsenal title triumphs in 1998, 2002 and 2004, with Ferguson revelling in the opportunity to pit his tactical wits against his old sparring partner Arsene Wenger on Sunday.

"It's still an open race but Arsenal have had a great start and they're the ones we are chasing at the moment," Ferguson said.

Mouth-Watering Encounter

"I know challenging for a title is a new experience for a lot of their players, but some of them have been there before and the manager has, and that is a big help.

"People said the same about us last year, but we led the league for three-quarters of the season, so I don't think it's a handicap."

Saturday's lunchtime match at Emirates Stadium promises to be a mouth-watering encounter and Ferguson admits he is enjoying reacquainting rivalries with old foes.

"Everything is coming together, as I thought it would, and in good time to take on Arsenal in what could be a key match in our title defence.

"The main thing is I know we will chase them with great fervour and determination."

Ole Ole