Sir Alex Ferguson has said that he would not allow Manchester United to go without a trophy for six seasons in a row, as has happened to Arsenal under the management of Arsene Wenger.

The Gunners boss, who has been under increasing pressure this season, has been unable to lead his side to silverware since winning the 2005 FA Cup final on penalties against the Manchester outfit.

"I wouldn't have allowed that to happen," said the United boss. "I think the press would have played a part – it's the modern press, we expect that now. But I don't contemplate these things. We set our own standards. Arsene's got his way and I've got my way.

"It can happen that you go a number of years without winning. For years Arsenal and ourselves were competing for the title, then it was Chelsea and us. Now City are on the map.

"It happens that way. You just have to hope you're in the cycle all the time."

Arsene Wenger has entered his 15th season since joining Arsenal from Japanese outfit Nagoya Grampus.