Ferguson wary of 'Big Four' form

Barclays Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford Date: Saturday, 29 August Kick-off: 1715 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio & highlights on Match of the Day, live on Sky Sports 1

---

Ferguson believes Arsenal are a stronger proposition this year

Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United cannot afford further slip-ups in the first 'Big Four' clash of the season against Arsenal on Saturday.

The Premier League champions went down to a shock 1-0 defeat at Burnley last week, while the Gunners have scored 10 goals in their first two league games.

Last season, United won only one of their six league matches against rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

"We need to address that and do better in these games," Ferguson admitted.

"An opportunity comes on Saturday. Last season we dropped six points to Liverpool, four to Arsenal and two to Chelsea.

"It has been a good start for Arsenal. We've got a game on our hands. We've lost one game already and can't afford to lose another.

"We've got to get our form right and make sure it is consistent."

PHIL MCNULTY'S BLOG Arsenal's agonising defeat over two legs against United in the last four of the Champions League last season will still be fresh in Wenger's memory

Meanwhile, Ferguson has denied reports that he has fallen out with Anderson and is ready to consider selling fellow midfielder Michael Carrick.

Brazilian Anderson has played in only one game so far this season, but Ferguson said: "Stuff about a dust-up is absolute rubbish.

"There is no issue at all," he added of the speculation surrounding both players. "They are not playing. When that happens people make something out of it.

United's last league encounter against the Gunners was a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, a result which confirmed their 11th Premier League title.

But despite losing Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City, Ferguson believes Arsene Wenger's side will be a much tougher proposition this season.

"One thing Arsene has done well is he's always sold a player at the right time," said the Scot.

MAN UTD AGAINST 'BIG FOUR' 08/09 v Arsenal Home: 0-0 Away 1-2 v Chelsea Home: 3-0 Away 1-1 v Liverpool Home 1-4 Away: 1-2

"He knows when it's the right time for a player to leave and he has done it again with Adebayor and Toure.

"I don't think the level of ability has changed one bit and he seems to have a good harmony in the squad.

"Their 6-1 win at Everton was an amazing result. I've never known Everton concede that many goals at home. I can't remember that happening before.

"I couldn't understand people writing Arsenal off. A young team like Arsenal, that is maturing, has to be respected. I think it was a media thing. I can't see it."

United and Arsenal have a history of explosive matches, although the intensity has cooled since the departure of key personalities from both sides.

I couldn't understand people writing Arsenal off. I think it was a media thing Sir Alex Ferguson

"It was the number one game," said Ferguson. "Some of them were very, very feisty. But the characters of the teams have changed.

"There is no (Roy) Keane or (Patrick) Vieira, both volatile characters and dominant players.

"I think the personalities of the teams has changed. It will be no less competitive though, just a different type of game."

Ferguson is without injured duo Edwin van der Sar and Rio Ferdinand, who has targeted United's clash with Tottenham 12 September as a return date from a thigh injury.

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has been ruled out of the visitors' side, having failed to shake off a hamstring injury.