London: Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson reckons the game against rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday is a "critical" one for his team.
At lunchtime on Saturday, the latest chapter in the always enthralling story of Arsenal-Manchester United rivalry will be written.
And while the pundits are poised to write off Arsenal's title challenge in the first week of November should Arsene Wenger's side suffer a fourth defeat of the season, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is focused solely on his own team, and feels this is a critical game in the defence of their title.
Arsenal's poor recent results, and their lengthy injury list, mean United go into the game as favourites to win it. But Ferguson is interested only in his team's quest for three more points, not Arsenal's problems.
United have lost to Liverpool and drawn with Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton so far this season, a record which is less impressive than Ferguson would like.
"This match is critical for us," he told journalists ahead of the big match. "We have to win our games and be consistent from now until the end of the season because we have points to make up on Liverpool and Chelsea.
"There is no way I am going to be thinking about what is happening at Arsenal. This game is important for Manchester United.
"We have every right to contest the championship, just the same as Arsenal or anyone else, so we will fight for the right to win tomorrow."
Nevertheless, Ferguson is obviously aware that the Gunners are suffering at the moment - and wary that they could be at their most dangerous with their backs against the wall.
"Arsenal have had injuries and I make the point a lot, when you don't have your best players you don't get the best results," said Fergie.
"Arsene has one or two key players out but if anyone thinks it will be easy tomorrow, they are wrong.
"It will be a tough game, as it always is.
"Over the years, games between the two clubs have always been very competitive. They are always played at great speed and they are always highly emotional games.
"I am sure their fans will be wound up tomorrow because of what has been said during the week. We have to cope with that."
Ferguson was referring to Wenger's comments about what the Frenchman regarded as Stoke City's over-aggression last week in the Potteries, and the accusation from pundits that his team has a soft under-belly that can be exposed if opponents adopt a physical approach.
While United's tactics are markedly different from Stoke's, Ferguson defended their tactics.
"Certain teams have a different style of play. That has always been the case," he said.
"When you play against Stoke, if you concede a throw or a corner you need your tin helmets on. You know the ball will be in the air and you have to head it.
"It is something you have to expect.
"They know their strengths. They are committed and honest but I certainly do not think they are a dirty team."
United have yet to win at the Emirates, something Ferguson is keen to change. His side conceded a couple of last-minute goals there.
"We have thrown the last two matches away down there," he reflected.
"We were 1-0 up with four minutes to go two years ago and lost 2-1. That is crazy."
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