Ferguson minds the gap

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The Gunners took advantage of Manchester United's defeat by Manchester City to move five points clear after beating Blackburn.

And United boss Ferguson said: "I am not happy we are five points behind them. You want to be leading at this stage of the campaign."

"However, I have to say Arsenal are looking more compact and more solid than they were last season," he added.

The reversal of fortune gives an added edge to Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round encounter at Old Trafford between the arch-rivals.

Ferguson is perplexed at marking his 100th FA Cup game by facing a Premier League side in the competition for the third time in succession this season.

First of all Aston Villa were dispatched, then Carling Cup finalists Tottenham, both at Old Trafford.

Ferguson quipped: "If we get through this one, I am going to the draw!"

He insists he has no alternative but to shuffle his pack with a Champions League game to follow against Lyon on Wednesday.

He said: "You cannot (keep the same side) in every game. That is why clubs have squads of 22 players. You cannot go back to the days when Liverpool won the league with only 14 players to call on."