The Gunners last won the championship during the unbeaten campaign of 2003/04, but were genuine challengers three seasons ago when their lead was eventually overhauled by both United and Chelsea.

This year, though, signs are Wenger's youngsters - lead by captain Cesc Fabregas - can come of age having clawed themselves back into contention with seven wins from the last 10 league games.

Arsenal started a run of potentially defining matches with a goalless draw at Aston Villa which sees them now two points behind Chelsea, whom they face at Stamford Bridge next weekend, although having played a match more.

United, meanwhile, were in Carling Cup action, when they saw off the challenge of rivals Manchester City with a goal from in-form Wayne Rooney during stoppage-time to book a place at Wembley after what been a hot-tempered two legs.

Wenger feels Sir Alex Ferguson's men were keen to show their supremacy over the blue half of Manchester, whose Middle East owners intend to one day surpass United as the biggest club in the world.

"With Manchester City making a big statement, it was about local prestige and that was certainly important in the minds of the fans that they say 'no, Manchester United is still the greatest here, you cannot touch us at the moment,'" Wenger reflected.

The Arsenal manager is relishing the challenges ahead as his team enter what could be a defining run of fixtures.

"We love it," Wenger declared.

"Of course it was our dream to be in this position in this period of time and we want to show it now.

"We know that to be successful in this period is to be more of a team than the other teams.

"We have to think how much strength and how much solidarity it takes to get through a period like this - so that is what we want to show on Sunday.

"We are really up for it. We are on a good run. We have good momentum and we want to continue that."

Rooney is enjoying a fine season with United, having netted 21 goals in all competitions this term.

The England striker, though, maintains it would be "nonsense" to suggest the Red Devils were a one-man team.

Wenger agrees. "I do not think they are over-reliant on Rooney," the Arsenal manager said.

"They changed their system a little bit the other night and did not play with two strikers.

"They played with only Rooney up front and then of course he becomes the focal point of the game, but they have plenty of players.

"For example, in the game on Wednesday night, [Ryan] Giggs was as well very influential.

"Rooney was at the end of things, but Giggs created a lot in the game."

Veteran Sol Campbell could be in line for a first appearance at Emirates Stadium after re-joining the club as centre-back Thomas Vermaelen is doubtful with a knee problem picked up in midweek.