Ferguson does not forsee drama against Arsenal

Jan 21 2012

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is not expecting any fireworks at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.

Any United meeting with Arsenal triggers memories of their past feuds, notably that Highbury tunnel bust-up between Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira in 2005. However, since that duo were separated, the battles have become less intense, with even Ferguson and Arsene Wenger able to have a cordial relationship.

"You have to go back a few years to when it was a bit combustible and Keane and Vieira had that love match in the tunnel," Ferguson said. "It has not been anything like that in the last three years. It has calmed down."

Not that either manager has changed his values, even though Arsenal have not won a trophy since beating United in the 2005 FA Cup final.

"Arsene Wenger has not changed his philosophy," Ferguson said.

"It is his way of doing it and it has paid dividends for Arsenal over a long period.

"He has a different type of player now. They are younger but they are still trying to do the same things.

"They still try to entertain and play the football their way."

Ferguson has confirmed he expects Darren Fletcher to be out for the remainder of the season as he tries to combat a chronic bowel condition.

However, fellow midfielder Tom Cleverley could be back for the February 11 visit of Liverpool to Old Trafford as he steps up his recovery from an ankle injury.