Fergie predicts Arsenal slip

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Gunners are unbeaten in their 14 league games so far this season and lead United by three points with a game in hand, but in what is bound to be perceived in some quarters as psychological warfare timed to coincide with the crucial Christmas period, the Old Trafford boss insists they will drop points.

He told Manchester United Radio: "Arsenal are playing well, but it's a long season and they know that, too. They will drop points, there's no doubt about that."

United could have been level at the top of the table with Arsenal had they not failed to beat Bolton 10 days ago and Ferguson admitted: "We'd like to be three points better off.

"If we hadn't lost to Bolton then we would have been in a great position."

Ferguson also revealed he is pondering how strong a side to field in United's final Champions League Group F game against Roma.

The match is for nothing more than pride, with Ferguson's men having already secured top spot in the group and the Italians also having qualified for the knockout phase in second place.

With the congested Christmas fixture schedule on the horizon, including a vital Premier League trip to Liverpool, Ferguson said: "I have a dilemma for the Roma trip.

"Obviously we're already through, and I'd really like some of the young players to get some miles on the clock, but we have to make sure we don't get embarrassed."