Fabregas isn't in Scholes' class, says Keane

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger likened his young French midfielder to the United veteran.

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But Keane, who played alongside Scholes for a decade at Old Trafford, said: "He has the potential to be as good as Paul Scholes, but not yet.

"To compare him to Paul Scholes you are talking about a top, top player who has done it over 12, 13, 14 years.

"Of course. he is at the perfect club and he has the perfect manager. He has a lot of experience for a young lad, I have to say that.

"I enjoy watching him play. I think he is a very good player. Even the media can see how good his passing and movement is.

"You don't have to be a football expert to see that. I'm sure if he has a good game Arsenal will have a good chance of winning.

"That is how you gauge a good player: if they have a major influence on a game. I'd take him in January if I had the chance!"

The Sunderland manager, who was involved in titanic clashes between the clubs, added: "The rivalry when I was at United was always with Arsenal.

"I think the players at the time didn't particularly like each other.

"I'm not saying they do now. I don't think the managers did that much. The supporters certainly didn't.

"Both were top teams. That helped. We knew any result against them had a big say in who was going to win the league. There was no doubt about that.

"If you get six points against your nearest rivals, you knew there was a good chance you were going to win the League.

"I loved all of the games against them. They were fantastic games. United v Arsenal games are the best, by far.

"It will be a good game between two top teams. I think it will be a draw but it is a game I am looking forward to watching."