Owen Hargreaves

OWEN Hargreaves has fired a warning to Arsene Wenger that Manchester United's treble challenge is still on.

The England international echoed Sir Alex Ferguson's words earlier this week that the race for the Premier League title is far from over - despite Arsenal being five points clear at the top.

The two sides come together in an FA Cup fifth round clash at Old Trafford on Saturday.

And with Wayne Rooney available again after serving a one-match suspension, Hargreaves is adamant United can issue a timely reminder that they won't give up their title without a fight.

Despite picking up just one point from their last possible six, Hargreaves said: "The end of the season is the only time the table counts.

"We're only in the second week of February and they've still got to come to Old Trafford. They've got a little bit of a gap at the moment, but it will change - and, like the boss said, it will go to the wire.

"I don't think the table will look like it does now."

Defeat against City on Sunday handed Arsenal the chance to stretch clear with victory over Blackburn 24 hours later and put Wenger's side firmly in the driving seat as he and Ferguson resume old wars. But United will welcome back Rooney and Hargreaves believes the striker will prove the difference as Reds look to end Arsenal's treble hopes while keeping theirs alive.

"Every player brings importance to the side, but Rooney and Ronaldo are our two most influential players, so when they are not there you notice it," he said. "You miss Wayne, not only because of his ability, but his personality. He doesn't want to lose and he won't take it.

"His personality is what we missed against City. He has been in fabulous form and is very important.

"When he's on his game he can be the X factor, not only for us but for England.

"He always has a moment of magic in a game and that's all it takes normally to win. It's something we didn't have against City. He always tries the extreme; he always tries to make something happen from nothing. Most of the time it's not going to come off, but when you keep trying like he does, it will come off eventually."

Hargreaves is a veteran of four title-winning sides from his time with Bayern Munich, also adding a Champions League win to his name.

Still he rates this United squad as the best he has played in and despite being impressed by what he's seen of Arsenal this season, he believes Wenger's men come up short when compared with Fergie's.

"They've been really good all season as all the top three have," he said. "Now they've distanced themselves at the top but it will be interesting to see how it finishes up.

"They have been impressive and you have to take your hat off to them."

OWEN Hargreaves is the North West ambassador for the Football Foundation's Nike Player Panel, which offers awards for small community-based sports projects. Visit footballfoundation.org.uk