Wenger’s fury after attack by UEFA boss

In a French newspaper, Platini accused his fellow Frenchman of having a business mentality rather than a football one.

He also tore into the Arsenal boss for calling for the introduction of video replays to rule on questionable refereeing decisions.

Wenger has been taken aback by Platini's criticism.

"I am stunned by the aggressive content of Platini's words," he said.

"I am effectively a supporter of video assistance for referees, like all coaches, and I believe UEFA have an important role to play in this. I am for sporting justice and UEFA must be the guarantor of it."

Wenger also defended his business approach. "I am a supporter of good management of clubs, for financial equilibrium," he said.

"I don't see why UEFA should take umbrage at ideas that are different from theirs."

In the Platini interview, Wenger's name was raised during a question about the introduction of video technology.

The former France international replied: "I like to talk about football. He [Wenger] talks about business. We must stop with Wenger and all that."

Platini also said he hoped video assistance would never come into football, adding: "It would make me happy that Wenger never sees it."

Meanwhile, as his team sit on top of the Premier League, it emerged today that Wenger has employed a sports psychologist to address his players before matches.

Wenger famed for his training methods and strict dietry plans, will send his young charges out for tonight's Carling Cup third-round tie with Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium with a simple message: "Be united and win."

Each member of the squad that travelled to the Reebok for Saturday's victory over Bolton was handed a confidential document written by a mind specialist called 'Tim' outlining how to behave and prepare for the Premier League match.

It worked, and the methods have succeeded since the start of the season as the Gunners moved to the top, but their secret is now out after one of the players left his crib sheet at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester.

The winning message will be important this evening as Wenger prepares to send out one of his youngest teams for a competitive match.

Aaron Ramsey can expect an extended run in the team if Arsenal progress through the competition and Wenger is in no doubt that he can go on to become an Arsenal great.

The Wales Under-21 international arrived at Emirates Stadium in a £5million deal from Cardiff during the summer, having turned down the chance to join Manchester United.

Wenger showed faith in him when he handed the youngster a full debut in the Champions League qualifier against FC Twente in Holland following an injury to Cesc Fabregas.

The 17-year-old, who also has two substitute appearances, has greatly impressed Wenger.

"I am very, very happy with him and I believe he will be a tremendous player for Arsenal," he said.

"Aaron is a serious boy, he knows what he wants, is highly committed and, for me, he has all that is needed to become a good player - not only a good player, but a great player for the club."

Last season, the Gunners reached the semi-finals, before they lost to eventual winners Tottenham.

The Arsenal manager has no doubts the likes of Wales Under-21 midfielder Ramsey, 16-year-old Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, reserve-team captain Gavin Hoyte and first-year scholar Emmanuel Frimpong can make a lasting impression.

Wilshere has already made his Premier League debut - following Fabregas to become the youngest player in the club's history.

Wenger said: "The expectations are very high and rightly so. What is most important at such an age is that people believe in you, and we believe in him."

Sheffield United will arrive boosted by the news of their potential £30m windfall from the tribunal ruling over the Carlos Tevez affair.

Manager Kevin Blackwell is likely to keep faith with the team that lost 1-0 at Norwich at the weekend.