Sir Alex says Arsenal will pose an even greater threat to United
this season, despite losing Thierry Henry.
Henry, long considered one of the finest talents in the Premier
League and a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year runner-up, left
the Gunners last month to join Spanish giants Barcelona.
But while many believe the London club will struggle without the
29-year-old, the United boss says Arsenal will emerge
stronger.
"I think it was time for him to go," Sir Alex told reporters at a
Labour Party football dinner at Wembley Stadium on Thursday
night.
"I think Arsene [Wenger] knew that and I think they'll be better.
Without question, I'm more convinced that they'll be in the top
four without Henry."
The Frenchman scored nine times in 15 appearances against the Reds
during his Arsenal career, including a last-minute winner in
January 2007 at the Emirates Stadium.
The United boss also laughed off claims from Chelsea manager Jose
Mourinho that he would be under intense pressure to achieve results
having spent heavily in the transfer market this summer.
"It's an amazing statement actually," he said. "I don't think he
knows I've been here for 20 years. Whether he is trying to transfer
some of the pressure - maybe he's under pressure himself, I don't
know. I thought it was quite funny."
