Ferguson unhappy at gap !!

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his disappointment at slipping five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

United's shock loss to rivals Manchester City last weekend saw The Gunners extend their lead at the summit of the table with victory over Blackburn Rovers.

With 12 games of the current campaign still remaining, Ferguson is convinced that there is still time to overhaul Arsene Wenger's side and retain their championship crown.

But he has admitted that Arsenal's growing improvement is a concern, while conceding that events have not gone to plan up until this stage of the season.

"I am not happy we are five points behind them," Ferguson said.

"You want to be leading at this stage of the campaign.

"However, I have to say Arsenal are looking more compact and more solid than they were last season."

Ferguson also hinted that he may rotate his starting XI for Saturday's FA Cup fifth round tie against Wenger's men.

"You cannot (keep the same side) in every game. That is why clubs have squads of 22 players," he continued.

"You cannot go back to the days when Liverpool won the league with only 14 players to call on."

Ferguson went on to express his belief that the clashes between his side and Arsenal lack the aggressive and fiery edge they used to demonstrate.

"We both have different teams today and as a result it is now less fractious," he concluded.