Sir Alex Ferguson on Arsenal: “They are better than they were last year”
Manchester United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson has acknowledged the improvement in Arsenal FC’s game as compared to last year.
The Scot also said that Arsenal’s current playing style showed glimpses of their glory days, when they went on to be known as ‘The Invincibles’; the Gunners won the 2003-2004 season without losing a match in the league.
The 68-year-old manager also mentioned Arsene Wenger’s contribution in building the young team that is currently leading the English Premier League.
Sir Alex said, “I think they’ll still try to play the attractive football Arsene believes in, but there’s definitely been a slight change. The general shape of the team has been far more mature and aggressive this year. They’re
top of the league – that’s a sure indication that they are better than they were last year and they’ll have a chance.”
Fergie made these comments ahead of his side’s eagerly anticipated encounter with the Gunners on Monday night. United, who are 1 point behind Arsenal, can overtake their archrivals if they win at Old Trafford.
Ferguson was also hopeful for his star striker Wayne Rooney to find his goal-scoring form. The England international has so far scored just once in the league this season. However, the main reason behind his poor record has been
the injury that kept him out of action for over a month.
Rooney managed to play 90 minutes for the first time after returning from his rehabilitation process in the 7-1 mauling of Blackburn Rovers.
However, the manager was confident that it was only a question of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ the former Everton FC lad consistently starts to find the back of the net.
Ferguson added, “Hopefully that happens on Monday because he’s got a great scoring record against Arsenal. He has always been the kind of striker who goes on scoring runs. He missed games towards the end of the season with injury,
which probably cost us the league. The goals will happen again for him, there’s no question about it. I’m not in the slightest bit worried about it.”
After hosting Arsenal on Monday, the Red Devils travel to London on 19th December to face reigning English champions Chelsea FC. United, who lost 1-0 to the Blues at Stamford Bridge last season, will be looking to avenge
their defeat from their bitter rivals.
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