Alex Ferguson's sympathisers have taken great delight this week in reminding those who seek to dance on his grave that it would be safer first to check that he has been properly buried. Nothing pleases Manchester United's manager more than silencing his critics, but the fact that he is having to do so with only his supporting cast is what makes it so remarkable right now.

Just as Ferguson had to get by against Liverpool last Sunday without half his usual side, his options will be drastically reduced yet again for Arsenal's visit to Old Trafford today.

Of United's most notable absentees, Ferguson reported that Wednesday's Champions League tie against Deportivo la Coruna would be a more realistic target for Laurent Blanc, Rio Ferdinand and David Beckham to return to the starting line-up.

Juan Sebastian Veron is available again after flu but, sadly for United, Beckham has not been alone in falling victim to internet rumours over the past week. One website had reported that Roy Keane was being prepared for a shock appearance but it was Ferguson's duty yesterday to confirm that the captain is still some way short. Another casualty presented himself in the form of Quinton Fortune, who injured himself during training.

Ferguson declined to discuss United's opponents, thereby avoiding any accusations of instigating mind games with Arsene Wenger. Equally, he would not be drawn on the emotions of losing the title to Arsenal at Old Trafford last May. "We're nearly in 2003 now," he snapped. "How far do you want to go back? Do you want to ask me about 1941, the year I was born?" There was, however, one psychological ploy. Talking about Diego Forlan and John O'Shea, Ferguson said that if they kept playing so well, "there would be no reason to change the team even when the likes of Keane come back".

Few will believe that, but if it inspires the same effort that overcame Liverpool last weekend it will be worth Ferguson's spin.

Sporting Lisbon claim they have reached an agreement with United on a proposed link-up deal that will involve the exchanging of "players, knowledge and ideas on infrastructures".

The club president Miguel Ribeiro Teles insisted that the deal had only to be "legalised" and that United had pledged to "sign the documentation as quickly as possible as it corresponds to the desire of the two clubs".

Meanwhile, Arsenal's defence will be without three of its mainstays in today's keynote fixture of the season at Old Trafford.

The England goalkeeper David Seaman has failed to recover from a groin injury, Sol Campbell is suspended and the Cameroonian full-back Lauren is also injured.

Arsenal's former captain Tony Adams, currently studying for a sports science degree, believes United are favourites for today's game. "I think the resilience and camaraderie of Man United of late, they've really got the bit between their teeth," he told Sky Sports. "I think United will come out on top on the day.

"I see them working hard for one another. I see that willingness to go an extra yard for their team. I think they're going to be a bit more resilient at Old Trafford and I'm a little bit wary of Arsenal's away form at the moment." Adams does, however, think his former team-mates are a superior side man-for-man.

"I think they've got better individuals, better players, but I think they're playing a little bit too open at the moment to go to Old Trafford and to beat them."

But Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger is confident his team have what it takes to repeat their success of last May, when they won the title at Old Trafford in the penultimate game of the season.

"I respect Tony Adams' opinion but it's our way to play and you cannot see us going up there and defending for 90 minutes and invite them to go at us," Wenger said.

"One of the keys of the game is to keep relaxed but concentrated, be committed but controlled. The game has big meaning already because positions are starting to get established, but there's still a long way to go." Wenger will recall Martin Keown to replace Campbell after the England veteran recovered from a hamstring strain that had seen him make no more than cameo appearances in recent weeks.  - Guardian Service