Rio Ferdinand says his partnership with Manchester United defensive teammate Nemanja Vidic is the best he's ever been involved in.

"I think it is the most comfortable partnership I have ever had," said Ferdinand. "It is the most consistent and most productive. We have been playing week in week out for the last 18 months and I have never really had that long before with the same person.

William Gallas equalised in injury-time to salvage a draw and keep Arsenal on top of the Premier League after an absorbing clash with Manchester United.

The opening 45 minutes proved an anti-climax until Gallas diverted Rooney's tame shot in on the stroke of half-time.

Ferguson also paid tribute to Carlos Tevez, who despite struggling to learn English is letting "the football language talk".

Tevez is being given private tuition at home to improve his English and Ferguson said he is working hard.

Rio Ferdinand will be fit for the game at the Emirates against Arsenal.

Reports suggested the 28-year-old defender had undergone a scan amid fears he had suffered a recurrence of a groin problem he sustained last season.

Manchester United defender Gary Neville has made his long-awaited comeback from injury, playing for nearly an hour for the club's reserves on Thursday.

The right-back, 32, suffered an ankle injury in March while muscle strains have delayed his return this season.

Neville was booked and scored an own goal as United beat Stockport 6-1 in the Manchester Senior Cup.

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar says he did not expect Arsenal to cope so well following the exit of former striker Thierry Henry.

"It would have been obvious to think they would have a poor season without Henry," he told BBC's Football Focus ahead of Saturday's game.

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney is focused on carrying his blistering form into Saturday's clash against Arsenal.

"I'm delighted with my game at the minute. I'm playing well, scoring goals and we're winning games, so I just want it to keep that going," he told the Mirror.

CRISTIANO Ronaldo believes the champions have got the edge over the Premier League leaders.

"All Arsenal's team are playing fantastically, it is not just about one or two players," said United's 22-year-old winger.

Rio Ferdinand is adamant that this weekend's clash between United and Arsenal will not determine the destination of the Premier League title.

The England defender does admit, however, that the Reds can send out an ominous warning to their title rivals with victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Barcelona prodigy Lionel Messi has been highly impressed by the form of compatriot Carlos Tevez since his summer move to United.

Tevez has four United goals to his name, but it has been his scintillating strike partnership with Wayne Rooney that has really captured the attention of the football world.