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| Sir Alex Ferguson |
One theory is that Ferguson reserves his confrontations for people who cause a sustained challenge to United within the Premier League, one thing Arsenal, humiliated 8-2 at recent Trafford in August, have struggled to try to to since 2007-08.
The United manager, however, claims increased competition from different clubs for the title and the younger nature of the Arsenal team is why there are no recent episodes that rekindle reminiscences of Martin Keown's goading of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ian Wright's run-ins with Peter Schmeichel, or Roy Keane's confrontation with Patrick Vieira before the groups had even entered the fray at Highbury.
"I do not suppose that [Arsenal not being a threat] is that the issue. i believe it's as a result of they're differing kinds of groups," said Ferguson. "The style of player that they had, the likes of Vieira, Petit, Henry, Tony Adams and Steve Bould, has been replaced by a unique kind currently. it is a younger player, a unique kind altogether. Arsène has not modified his philosophy and it's paid dividends for Arsenal over a protracted amount. he's still making an attempt to try to to a similar things. he's still making an attempt to entertain and to play their soccer their approach.
"You have to be compelled to return 5 or six years for when it absolutely was last flamable, when Keane and Vieira had that slanging match within the tunnel. you have got to travel back a couple of years. i do not suppose it's been something like that for the last 3 years. it's calmed down slightly. Do I miss it? that is an honest one."
The United manager, who has Phil Jones and Chris Smalling back from injury for the trip to the Emirates Stadium, cited the increase of Chelsea, Manchester town and Tottenham Hotspur as one more reason why the rivalry with Arsenal has diluted. He added: "You've have to be compelled to keep in mind that for in all probability a decade it absolutely was us and Arsenal. Then for 6 years it absolutely was us and Chelsea. currently you have got town and Tottenham. I continuously thought that 2 groups would dominate the ultimate elements of the season however you haven't got that currently.
"You've got six groups making an attempt to urge into the highest four. that's an enormous amendment. Tottenham's progress over the last 2 years has been fantastic, City's progress has been fantastic and you've got got Liverpool. The rivalries are there however it's unfolded currently."
Ferguson insists there's no prospect of repeating August's exceptional result against Arsenal, who were severely depleted at recent Trafford and nevertheless to sign the reinforcements that have contributed to a massive improvement since. "There isn't any probability it'll be as open as that. Arsenal have recovered well, that they had a very sensible amount and have qualified for subsequent stage of the Champions League therefore i do not suppose there's an awful ton wrong there," he said. "They have conjointly had to upset lots of injuries to defenders, notably to Sagna and Gibbs and it's challenging to be while not your 2 regular full-backs for a protracted amount."
Sunday's trip to north London marks the beginning of a demanding spell for United, who conjointly face Liverpool within the league and FA Cup, Chelsea away and Spurs away up to three March. "We've had {a couple|a few|one or 2|a handful|some} of wins however solely two and that we wish consistency," Ferguson added. "Hopefully we are able to navigate this clutch of games as a result of they'll be vital for where we tend to find yourself this season."
