Ferguson hopes for Arsenal favour

Alex Ferguson has admitted he will become an Arsenal fan for a day this weekend, because he is so keen for the Gunners to beat Chelsea.

As well as easing the pressure on their under-fire manager, Manchester United cut Chelsea’s Premiership lead to nine points with their 4-0 win over Wigan at Old Trafford last night.

Arsenal face the defending Barclays Premiership champions at Highbury on Sunday and Ferguson is desperate for a home win, which, if United beat Aston Villa on Saturday, would mean Jose Mourinho’s side having their lead cut to six points.

“Everyone is hoping Chelsea drop points: ourselves, Arsenal and Liverpool,” said Ferguson. “We are all in the same boat.

“Really, we have to do our own job first. We are now level on games with Chelsea but nine points behind.”

Rio Ferdinand netted his first goal in 140 appearances for United last night, before Wayne Rooney fired a brilliant double either side of the break. A Ruud van Nistelrooy penalty completed the rout.