Arsenal’s skipper, Cesc, has declared that the Old Trafford outfit are the best in the world ahead of the semi-final Champions League clash against the reigning holders.
Arsenal captain Francesc Fabregas struck an emphatic deuce to help his side to victory over visiting Middlesbrough on Sunday lunchtime to help the Gunners go into their midweek Champions League semi-final against Manchester United in a confident mood.
The Spaniard, though, believes that the Red Devils are one of the game’s most formidable outfits of all time.
He also added that deep-lying forward Wayne Rooney and fleet-footed trickster Cristiano Ronaldo are United’s potential match-winners.
He told the News of the World, "I have no problem saying United are one of the best clubs in the world, even though I want to beat them.
"They are the best side in the world at the moment, a top, top side and we respect them a lot. In fact, they are one of the best clubs in history.
"I respect [United manager] Alex Ferguson for what he has achieved. There have been some great battles over the years and I am sure these two games will be just as interesting and dramatic."
Pinpointing specific threats to Arsenal's progression in the Champions League, he added, "Rooney and Ronaldo are amazing.
"I really admire them for what they do. They have been excellent players from an early age and it's unbelievable how they have maintained their amazing standards.
"I am a big fan of both of them. You can expect just about anything from them and they always make a difference in games. Look at Ronaldo against Porto, what a goal! It was one of the best goals I've seen.
"United are probably our biggest rivals but they are a team who play good football. You always enjoy these games but we are determined to come out on top. There is always good football in games between the two of us. They like to create and we have a go, so it's tremendous for the supporters.
"At least we know we can beat them as we proved at The Emirates. They had their best players in the game earlier in the season and we won. That gives us tremendous confidence."
Elsewhere, Arsenal will have to make do without the continued absence of both William Gallas (knee ligament) and Robin van Persie (groin strain).
The French defender has been ruled out for the rest of the season while Arsene Wenger confirmed on the club's official website that Van Persie is definitely out of the Old Trafford visit.
"He is definitely out for Manchester United," Wenger said last week.
Andrey Arshavin is also unavailable as he is cup-tied due to his earlier participation in the same competition with Zenit St. Petersburg.
Gael Clichy, though, may make a return.