Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was WRONG to attack Stoke style

He may have entered his 70th year, but Sir Alex Ferguson still cannot resist the temptation to have a dig at his old rival Arsene Wenger when the opportunity arises.

Ahead of Stoke’s visit to Manchester United tonight, Ferguson took Wenger to task over his criticism of Tony Pulis’s side as well as his complaints over the Old Trafford playing surface when Arsenal lost there last month.

The Frenchman has been a critic of Stoke’s combative style since they came into the Barclays Premier League — in particular after Aaron Ramsey broke his leg in a tackle with former United defender Ryan Shawcross last February.

Old enemies: Ferguson cannot understand why Wenger has attacked Stoke's physical style

But Ferguson came to Stoke’s defence yesterday, saying: ‘People have criticised their physical style of play but they stick to what they do best.

'I suppose Arsene Wenger has been one of their main critics, but then he does go off on a tangent at times. For instance, he criticised our pitch after they lost here before Christmas and I was at a loss to understand why.

Horror: Aaron Ramsey was left with a broken leg after Ryan Shawcross' X-rated challenge last year

‘I have a great admiration for Tony and the wry way he rides the criticism levelled at his team. If anything the criticism galvanises the players and gives them extra motivation.’

Attacked: Tony Pulis has come under fire by Arsene Wenger

Ferguson’s praise is perhaps understandable considering Stoke have yet to take a point off United in five Premier League matches.

Their only goal against Ferguson’s side was Tuncay’s long-range effort in October. In contrast, they have conceded nine in two visits to Old Trafford, and United defender Nemanja Vidic believes United’s big pitch nullifies their threat.

‘Old Trafford is our fortress,’ said Vidic.

‘It’s totally different when we play Stoke at home to when we play them away. Our pitch is very big and we won’t have that many long balls to deal with like we would at Stoke.’

United hope to move three points clear of Manchester City, who play at Arsenal tomorrow, but midfielder Darren Fletcher believes their neighbours’ lack of experience in a title race could be their downfall.

‘Experience is important in the last few months,’ said Fletcher.

‘We’ve been there before. We’ve experienced what it takes on a title run-in. You need last-minute goals and you have to grind out results at different times.’

United striker Wayne Rooney trained yesterday and is available tonight, despite finishing Saturday’s win at West Bromich Albion limping heavily after a knock to his left ankle.

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