Wenger confirms guard of honour for Manchester United

London: Arsene Wenger has confirmed his Arsenal side will give Premier League champions Manchester United a guard of honour when they host the Red Devils on Sunday.

Sir Alex Ferguson`s side captured their 20th league title on Monday with a 3-0 win over Aston Villa and travel to face a Gunners side desperate for points in their battle for a Champions League place. Striker Robin van Persie returns to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since his £24 million [€29m] move to Old Trafford which some have suggested will make the guard of honour harder to take for the players and fans, but Wenger insists they will give the champions the respect they deserve. "I want the traditions of English football to be respected," the Frenchman told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "My relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson is respectful." After Monday`s victory Van Persie said he had to wait a long time for his first Premier League title and it was a "great feeling", but Wenger believes the striker will always remember his time in north London fondly. "I think Arsenal had a positive impact on the life and career of Robin van Persie," he added. "You will always miss a big player but now we are stabilised. The two sides clash at on Sunday with the Gunners currently sitting in third place in the league table. Goal.com