Arsene Wenger fired the latest shot in his psychological war with Sir Alex Ferguson by claiming that the rest of the Premiership give Manchester United too much respect and ''don't really have a go at them''.

The Arsenal manager believes too many teams think they will be beaten even before they kick-off against the champions and therefore have an inferiority complex that is difficult to overcome.

Indeed, there seems to be no coincidence in his mind that United are having greater problems in the Champions League, where they do not have so much respect, than in the Premiership.

Wenger was stirred into action when it was put to him that his side could be eight points behind United by the time of their game at Leeds tomorrow if the champions beat Derby at Pride Park today.

The Frenchman responded: ''They could also lose. That's part of the problem in England.

''Everybody in England, even the players who play against them, thinks that Manchester United will win.

''They have gained so much respect in England that the teams don't really have a go at them.

''They have earned that respect through the years. At the moment, they have more problems in Europe than in England.

''I believe that usually Arsenal have respect as well but teams give us a real challenge because they still believe they have a chance against us.

''I just think that this way of thinking shows Manchester United have gained so much respect that it's easier for them to win.''

Wenger's feelings were effectively shared by Gianluca Vialli last season when the Italian challenged his Chelsea players to match United's ability to overawe teams before kick-off.

However, the Arsenal boss, who believes the problem affects supposedly weaker teams to a greater extent, insisted that there was no reason why United should not lose against 19th-placed Derby.

Wenger, whose side were held to a goalless draw by Jim Smith's side at Highbury a fortnight ago, added: ''If everybody thinks like that, it's difficult to imagine they will get beaten at Derby.

''But it's not difficult for me to imagine that.

''I believe that even if you play against Derby's reserves and they have a go at you, then it's difficult to win.

''It's always difficult to win, no matter who you play against. When you are a professional footballer, you don't imagine that people just go on the pitch and are happy to lose."

Wenger nevertheless insisted the situation was ''not a problem'' as he could only concentrate on ending Arsenal's run of four games without victory.

''We can only catch up if we perform and don't count on the opponents of Manchester United. We have to perform better than we do at the moment and redress our problems,'' he said.

The Gunners will still be without their influential central midfield duo of Patrick Vieira and Gilles Grimandi at Elland Road.

But Wenger has faith in his players' character despite the ''stupid'' defending in their midweek 4-1 defeat at Spartak Moscow