Rio Ferdinand says winning at Arsenal would lay down a huge marker in the title race.

Manchester United travel to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday lunchtime dead level with the Gunners on 26 points at the top of the Premier League table, although Arsene Wenger's side do have a game in hand.

And while Ferdinand admits the high noon showdown alone won't determine the destination of English football's biggest prize, it's still of massive importance.

He told MUTV: "A win at the Emirates would be a great marker to put down, although I don't think it will determine where the league is going to go.

"There's only a handful of games gone - but we need to make sure we give a good account of ourselves. We need to make sure we get the points and stay at the top of the league.

"It's a massive game but no matter who wins it will not be a case of 'They're going to win the league' or even 'They'll be the favourites'."

Saturday's game is a mouthwatering prospect with the Gunners playing spellbinding football all season and United having netted 16 times in their last four games.

Ferdinand added: "We're scoring goals and it's a big difference from the start of the season. We were creating chances but weren't converting them."