Arsenal-Manchester United Preview

Aug 27, 2009 - 4:46 PM DANIEL ROSE STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has vowed to cut free-scoring Arsenal down to size when the Premier League title rivals clash at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Evans faces the daunting prospect of trying to shut out an Arsenal side that have netted 15 goals in their opening four League and Champions League matches.

Northern Ireland international Evans, deputising for the injured Rio Ferdinand, is relishing the challenge of testing himself against the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie.

Evans said: "Sometimes playing against bigger teams is a bit easier. You are playing against better players and it raises your concentration levels.

"You think about the game a bit more. Concentration is a big part of defending. You need to keep switched on to do your job properly."

Ferdinand is targeting a comeback from his thigh problem in time for next month's Manchester derby.

Evans has vowed to make it impossible for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to drop him, saying: "I didn't expect to play so many games last season.

"I didn't expect Rio to have the problem with his back or Nemanja Vidic to get suspended for a couple of games.

"It got me into the team for a while, so there was a bit of luck involved.

"Getting into the team lifts your confidence and self-belief.

"There was a bit of a blip when people started to look at my performances a lot more, so it can go both ways. But overall it was a great experience.

"I also know there are plenty of things I need to add to my game before I even think about becoming a top-class centre back at United."

Arsenal are on a revenge mission for last season's humiliating Champions League semi final defeat at the hands of United.

The Gunners were thrashed 3-1 by a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired United at the Emirates Stadium in May.

Teenage midfielder Aaron Ramsey says Arsene Wenger's side can use the memory of that defeat to spur the on this season.

Ramsey, 18, who netted his first Premier League goal during last weekend's 4-1 victory at home to Portsmouth and is set to replace the injured Cesc Fabregas, said: "There were a few lessons we learnt from last season.

"We had a good pre-season and the squad's stronger both physically and mentally.

"I think a lot of the players here now haven't actually won anything for a certain amount of time and this season everyone's hungrier than ever.

"Personally I'm very hungry to try and get myself into the starting eleven and put pressure on the manager to pick me week in, week out so hopefully I can do that this season."

Ramsey believes Russian playmaker Andriy Arshavin holds the key to unlocking United.

"He's a great player and a role model to a lot of people." Ramsey said. "He's got great feet, great vision, and he can score a lot of goals as well so he's definitely someone to look up to and a great professional."