Soccer:Alex Ferguson claims there is "no chance" of the spectacular August showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal being repeated when the two sides meet again at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

United emerged triumphant on that stunning afternoon, romping to an 8-2 win that condemned Arsenal to their biggest defeat in 114 years. It was part of a blistering start to the campaign that also saw the Premier League champions score three times against both Tottenham and Chelsea and put five past Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.

Performances have become rather more restrained since as injuries and setbacks made their mark, which is why Ferguson is anticipating a return to the tense battles of the past when United square up to Arsene Wenger's side this weekend.

"It won't be as open as the last time. There is no chance of that," said Ferguson. "There won't be a lot between the two teams. They have only lost six goals at home this season so we are well aware it is going to be a hard game. I just hope we can get the result we want and need."

United may well need an away win because by kick-off they will be six points adrift of Manchester City if the Blues emerge triumphant from their top-of-the-table encounter with Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.

It is the reverse of fixtures that ended with a combined Manchester victory of 13-3 over north London, although Ferguson has not entertained the idea that Arsenal will be motivated by thoughts of getting even.

"I have never used revenge as part of my motivation," he said. "It rankles but you have to forget it. I am sure Arsene did that. That is what I would have done anyway."

Instead, Wenger can point to a place on the fringes of the top four as evidence that his side has improved. Arsenal also have the Champions League knockout phase to look forward to, unlike United, who find themselves in the Europa League. And, just like Sunday's opponents, they have an old favourite back in their squad, with Ferguson believing Thierry Henry's short stint for his old club is in the same 'no-brainer' category as that which saw Paul Scholes perform a retirement U-turn at Old Trafford.

"There was talk about Thierry Henry coming back last January and it didn't happen," he said. "To me there are no negatives, similar to what I said about Paul Scholes. When I saw them erecting the statue I thought it was a nice lead-in to bringing him back for a short spell.

"You saw how the fans reacted when he scored the goal against Leeds. They were fantastic. He is still a great player and most of the current ones weren't there when he was. They are going to be motivated and admiring a player who was one of Arsenal's greats."

Ferguson's defensive options have been bolstered by the return of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. England striker Danny Welbeck should shrug off the blow he suffered in scoring against Bolton last week to partner Wayne Rooney in attack.

As Ferguson noted, it is the start of a tough run that also includes trips to Chelsea and Tottenham, plus those two encounters with Liverpool, which would increase to three if next weekend's FA Cup fourth-round tie requires a replay.

Ferguson believes it is how United come through these fixtures that will determine the extent of their trophy challenge this term.

"Normally there are quite a few of these big matches at the end of the season," he said. "But we have had situations in the past where you have a clutch of games against teams who are challenging in the league with you. We know it could decide a lot of the season but you just have to cope with it because it is the same for everyone else."