Ferdinand Confident

Rio Ferdinand is adamant that this weekend's clash between United and Arsenal will not determine the destination of the Premier League title.

The England defender does admit, however, that the Reds can send out an ominous warning to their title rivals with victory at the Emirates Stadium.

“A win at the Emirates would be a great marker to put down," Rio told MUTV. "Although I don’t think it will determine where the league is going to go.

“There’s only a handful of games gone — but we need to make sure we give a good account of ourselves. We need to make sure we get the points and stay at the top of the league.

“It’s a massive game but no matter who wins it will not be a case of ‘They’re going to win the league’ or even ‘They’ll be the favourites’.”

United travel to the Emirates in top form, having notched four goals in four consecutive games, and Ferdinand has been delighted by the Reds' return to their fluent best.

“We’re scoring goals and it’s a big difference from the start of the season," he admitted. "We were creating chances but weren’t converting them.