Ferguson: Games Against Arsenal Are Never Easy

The Red Devils' boss is wary of the threat posed by free-scoring Arsenal.

Machester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he harbours a degree of trepidation over his side's imminent clash with competitive rivals Arsenal, scheduled for a late afternoon kick-off on Saturday.

The iron-willed Scot was speaking at a pre-match press conference, and indicated that Arsenal's early season form - including resounding wins against both Portsmouth and Everton - was keeping in tradition to a build-up to a tie that was "always interesting".

"Their fixtures have been the highlight of the season so far," Ferguson said. "The 6-1 at Everton was an amazing result. I don't think during my time I have known a result like that at Everton.

"They were good at Portsmouth and I saw them on Wednesday [versus Celtic] and I think they were comfortable enough.

"Games against Arsenal are never easy," he continued, "but always interesting.

"We have lost one game and we can't afford to lose another one."

Regarding Rio Ferdinand's declaration that he will be fit for the Tottenham Hotspur clash, Ferguson said, "It's nice that he's letting us know he'll be fit.

"Owen Hargreaves is back on September 23," said Sir Alex. "We're in dialogue with him all the time."