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Arsenal pose threat to Manchester United: Gary Bailey

That’s the view of former United goalkeeping legend Gary Bailey, who had seen the Old Trafford-based club go 23 league games without tasting defeat prior to last night’s home match against Aston Villa.

That impressive streak has only served to heighten the belief that Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils could go through the whole campaign without suffering a single domestic loss, matching the unblemished record achieved by Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ during the 2003-04 term.

But, for pragmatic Bailey, simply claiming a seventh top-flight crown this century takes precedence, especially with some stiff competition hot on their heels.

“It’s looking ominous as United haven’t even played that well at times,” the 52-year-old, who is a long-standing TV pundit and motivational speaker nowadays, told the Khaleej Times during his visit to Spirals, an Arsenal FC-themed sports lounge at the Grandeur Hotel in Al Barsha, Dubai.

“We just grind out results, give nothing away and are professional in every sense of the word, but there’s a long way to go.

“It’s the first time in a few years that Arsenal are a real threat. We’ve always seen them before as a highly-talented side that’s great to watch, but lacking a killer instinct. It’s a different Arsenal team this time around.

“I looked at Manchester City as well at the start of the season and thought they were the favourites to win it as they’ve got the most unbelievable squad. They might still do too.

“United though are just a better team; the players play together – they don’t upset each other and have issues like some of the other clubs, like Manchester City, have had.

“It’s very possible on that basis that United do win the title. It’s highly unlikely we’ll do what Arsenal did however as we’re going to get beat somewhere down the line.

“Nonetheless, it doesn’t make any difference. The deal here is: ‘Do you win the league or not?’ and that’s the only question to be asked at the end of the year. If we win it on goal difference, I don’t care.”

Bailey was unequivocal in who should take the credit for United’s continual success to date, hailing Scottish boss Ferguson for his uncanny ability to consistently produce trophy-winning squads in his distinctive mould.

“Fergie is still blooding youngsters; he’s still bringing through (Javier) Hernandez up front, (Chris) Smalling at centre-back and Rafael (da Silva) at right-back,” the twice-capped England international explained.

“He constantly brings through the kids, as (Arsene) Wenger does. But, he does so while they’re winning stuff all of the time, and he takes risks.

“He took risks against Southampton (in the FA Cup). But, every time, he seems to pull it off and gets away with it because he knows, if he doesn’t blood the youngsters, then his team will start to get old like maybe Chelsea have at the moment.

“He’s always aware of that and he’s got the balance right this season yet again.”

alex@khaleejtimes.com