Ferguson starts mind games with Wenger

ALEX FERGUSON believes Arsenal could become so determined to preserve their unbeaten Premiership record it could eventually bring about another championship collapse.

On the eve of a potentially pivotal weekend, the wily Manchester United boss has decided now is the time to begin the mind games that proved so successful 12 months ago.

The Gunners visit fellow title contenders Chelsea this lunchtime just as United will look to emphasise their superiority over relegation-haunted Leeds.

United trail Arsene Wenger’s men by five points and Ferguson knows he needs the Londoners to stumble again to give his side any chance.

While skipper Roy Keane believes Arsenal will not fail again, Ferguson can see a chink of light. For the Scot thinks the men from Highbury may become so concentrated on preserving their unbeaten record it will eventually grind them down.

“Arsenal have the added incentive of going undefeated and they will all be fully charged up trying to make sure they don’t lose a game,” said Ferguson.

“But I know from past experience that is a big burden to carry.

“It makes today’s game a bigger one for Chelsea, so hopefully it will prove to be a pivotal weekend.”

Ferguson was happy to take the spotlight away from Keane, who has re-asserted his fears for some of the younger members of the Old Trafford squad.

Twice in recent days, the Irishman has questioned training-ground attitudes and suggested some of his team-mates should remember how fortunate they are to play for the club.

“Roy’s comments are directed towards some of the younger players and that is not a bad thing,” said Ferguson.

“Roy sets high standards and that is how it should be when you are playing for the biggest club.”

Aside from Diego Forlan, who only returned from midweek duty with Uruguay last night, Ferguson reported nothing more than a series of bumps and bruises from his squad’s international exertions.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Wes Brown will be in the squad after turning out for the reserve team against Liverpool on Thursday night.

The bad news for Ferguson is that Paul Scholes has been charged with violent behaviour towards an opponent by the FA for his two-handed push in the face of Middlesbrough midfielder Doriva.

The incident, which occurred during Middlesbrough’s 3-2 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on February 11, was not seen by referee Paul Durkin who was facing in the opposite direction. But the FA have studied video evidence and decided to charge Scholes, who has until March 5 to respond.