Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is hurting at falling into Arsenal's slipstream at the top of the Premier League table.The Gunners took advantage of Manchester United's defeat by Manchester City to move five points clear after beating Blackburn.

The reversal of fortune gives an added edge to the FA Cup fifth-round encounter on Saturday at Old Trafford between the arch-rivals.

United boss Ferguson said: "I am not happy we are five points behind them.

"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 is perplexed at marking his 100th FA Cup game by facing a Premier League side in the competition for the third time in succession this season.

First of all Aston Villa were dispatched, then Carling Cup finalists Tottenham, both at Old Trafford.

Ferguson quipped: "If we get through this one, I am going to the draw!"

He insists he has no alternative but to shuffle his pack with a Champions League game to follow against Lyon on Wednesday.

He said: "You cannot (keep the same side) in every game. That is why clubs have squads of 22 players.

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

There is plenty of history between United and Arsenal but Ferguson has seen a change in the landscape.

He said: "We both have different teams today and as a result it is now less fractious."

Meanwhile Ferguson is convinced Gary Neville will overcome his injury concerns, which centre around a long-standing ankle problem.

"What Gary needs is a bit of luck," said the United boss.

"He's had setback after setback.

"It is only because of his character he is able to persist in his efforts to get back.

"He is getting all the help and encouragement we can give him.

"Gary is not far away but what he cannot afford is another niggling injury, which can happen."

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