Ferguson in new taunt

United's boss has conceded the championship to the Gunners this season, but made an early start to next season's mind games by insisting Arsenal must retain the trophy to be mentioned in the same breath as the Old Trafford club.

Arsenal failed to defend the domestic crown following their 1998 and 2000 title wins whereas United have won backto-back championships twice as well as three in a row between 1999 and 2001. Ferguson said: "The big question mark for Arsenal is whether they can repeat the kind of season they're having now.

"It looks as though they're going to go through the season undefeated - I can see that happening now with the games they have left. That's a fantastic achievement, but it's difficult to win the League again. We've done it before and that was our challenge this year."

United, who take on Charlton at Old Trafford tonight, are 13 points behind Arsenal in a season of underachievement which has seen them lose seven League games.

Ferguson is not concerned by the huge points gap that has developed between the two sides.

"There is little to choose between the two teams as we have shown when we have played each other this season," he claimed. "It has been a very unusual season. It is unusual for a team to go through a season unbeaten for a start. We had a spell where injuries and suspension meant we couldn't field a settled back four. And it is unlike us to lose so many games to teams in the lower half of the table like Portsmouth, Manchester City, Wolves and Southampton. Other teams are just sitting in their penalty box with everyone behind the ball. Maybe we should just let them have the ball and attack us."

Ferguson is anxious United win tonight and move to within one point of Chelsea."The priority now is to finish in second place."