United equalled a club record today when they trounced 'Boro 4-1 at Old Trafford, it's only second time in the Reds history that they've scored four goals or more in succession, the last time was season 1907-08. The questions about United's early season goal drought seem like a distant memory now and from languishing near the foot of the table just a few weeks ago, Fergie's side sit once again proudly at the top of the league, if only for 24 hours as next weekend's challenger's Arsenal prepare to meet Liverpool.
The media and fans alike will of course now be eagerly looking forward to the clash with the early season league leaders at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have a young team and look to be getting better by the week, but like United they've not had it all their own way in the season's early exchanges. Against Sunderland recently, the Gunners didn't look too clever at the back and Roy Keane will believe that his side deserved at least a point that day. They had their moments of fortune against Man City too in another game that Wenger's side didn't really deserve to win.
However, both United and Arsenal look to be right on song now and with no midweek game for the Red Devils after being dumped out of the Carling Cup, Fergie now has to decide who will stand down to make way for fit again Owen Hargreaves who despite the Reds return to goalscoring form of late is very much needed in that engine-room.
Against Dynamo Kiev in midweek United were pretty impressive going forward, albeit against a side seemingly intent on self-destruction by allowing the visitors too much time and space, but at times Fergie's side looked venerable to the counter-attack and that is why the return of the former Bayern star is much welcomed. Hopefully he will close the door in the face of the opposition should the Reds lose the ball going forward.
Anderson is another new player who has already shown what he is capable of, the Brazilian has been outstanding in this last few games. Perhaps the biggest compliment anyone can pay the little man is that we wont miss the injured Paul Scholes. Some fans now believe that Anderson and Hargreaves should be paired together in the centre of midfield, this is what many supporters see as Fergie's long-term engine-room. The idea certainly has merit as Anderson and Hargreaves can tackle, pass, and score goals and they both get up and down the park better than just about any other players in the squad.
Arsene Wenger has his own box-of-tricks in the form of Fabregas, who already is looking like a stronger runner in the player-of-the-year stakes. The Arsenal manager has and his team will fancy their chances of putting one over Fergie.
For their part United supporters will be no doubt be hoping that Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez & Co have saved a few tricks and treats for Wenger's team, and the prospect of putting on an extra special display against the Arsenal in the capital is indeed a mouth-watering prospect.
Fergie, who still relishes every opportunity to rub Wenger's nose in it, will no doubt already be plotting to bring down the Gunners and make no mistake he's got the munitions to do the job. One thing we can be sure of is that there will be fireworks on and off the pitch in North London next weekend.
