Reds aim to end Arsenal challenge

Sir Alex Ferguson knows victory on Sunday would extinguish Arsenal's title hopes, but he's far more concerned with winning for United's own ambitions.

Arsenal are six points behind United and three behind second-placed Chelsea. Arsene Wenger remains bullishly confident about the Gunners' title chances, but the Frenchman himself admits that this match is do or die for his team.

That may add determination and resolve to the way Arsenal approach the clash at Old Trafford, but it won't alter the way United play.

"[A win for us] makes it difficult for them. No question," Sir Alex said at his pre-match press conference on Friday. "Five games to go is not a lot of leeway for them. They can't afford to drop any points.

"But that doesn't make it any different for us in our preparations for an Arsenal game because they are always very competitive games anyway."

United are looking to bounce straight back after last weekend's 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough. That result may have come as a surprise to some, but Sir Alex maintains he was always concerned about the trip to the Riverside.

"I had a fear about that one," he said. "Middlesbrough always raise their game against big teams and I was half-prepared [to drop points]. But the games coming up now - our final five matches - are the ones we expect to do well in."

Video: Watch Sir Alex's press conference now on MUTV Online