United defender Ferdinand does not believe anything will be decided during the lunchtime clash on Saturday but knows victory would be a perfect tonic.

And after a quiet start to the season, the England centre-half, 28, has warned their opponents that United are hitting form at just the right time.

Ferdinand said: "A win at the Emirates would be a great marker to put down - although I don't think it will determine where the league is going to go.

"There's only a handful of games gone - but we need to make sure we give a good account of ourselves.

"We need to make sure we get the points and stay at the top of the league.

"It's a massive game but no matter who wins it will not be a case of 'They're going to win the league' or even 'They'll be the favourites'."