No more Man Utd Fergie time! Arsene Wenger confident of Arsenal performance

ARSENE WENGER has stoked up Arsenal’s big trip to Old Trafford by suggesting referees won’t be intimidated by Manchester United now that Sir Alex Ferguson has retired.

Arsene Wenger feels that a shadow has been lifted since Sir Alex's departure from Old Trafford

Gunners boss Wenger claims officials will view United in a different light with David Moyes in charge instead of Fergie.

When asked how he sees United without his old sparring partner, Wenger said: “That’s a question you shouldn’t ask me but the referees.”

Wenger’s unprompted, cryptic comments were said with a smile but the point he was trying to make was clear.

And that could land him in hot water with the FA if they view his remarks as an attempt to influence referee Michael Oliver for tomorrow’s crunch clash.

Oliver, 28, the Premier League’s second youngest referee, takes charge of Wenger’s first game against Fergie-less United.

Fergie was famous for berating officials when things weren't going Utd's way

When asked if he could put a figure on how many points Fergie was worth to United, Wenger returned to the subject of referees.

He added: “Have you tried? Every year there is a company who makes up a table reasoned without the referees’ mistakes. So, check that.

“I don’t know (if referees were influenced by Ferguson being in the dugout). Ask the referees.

“I think the referees were relaxed and happy to go there.
“I expect the referees to make the right decisions. I never have preconceived ideas.”

Wenger knows that a win at Old Trafford will be a huge psychological blow for Man Utd

Wenger is still scarred by Mike Riley’s decision to award United a second half penalty in 2004 after Wayne Rooney went down following a Sol Campbell challenge.

That 2-0 Old Trafford defeat brought an end to Arsenal’s historic 49-game unbeaten run.