Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes his fiery relationship with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has mellowed in recent years.

Ahead of today's big match, Wenger said: "With Ferguson, our relationship has changed in recent times because we didn't compete directly with them, so the games were not really deciders. That calms it down.

"I wouldn't say we were enemies. Enemies is a big word.

"I don't know Ferguson well enough to say that I am friends with him. But I respect him for what he has done and for what he is doing in the job. That's it.

"In the past sometimes it was hotter. The climate was a bit warmer!

"The managers have a responsibility to make first a football game.

"What is important is that this is a good football game and that we win. All the rest is less important."

And so the temperature will not be soaring to its old heights again? Wenger laughed and concluded: "I can't give any guarantees!"