Arsenal 1 Manchester United 3: Rooney racks up century to help wreck Gunners

United's win against the Gunners cut Chelsea's lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League to just one point albeit with a game more played.

It also saw Wayne Rooney notch his 20th league goal of the season and his 100th in the Premier League.

Ferguson singled out Rooney as the main difference between the teams and also insisted he was confident the striker was happy at Old Trafford.

Ferguson said: "Rooney was unbelievable. He was the key player and they couldn't handle him. He's very happy at the club. He's popular among the players and couldn't be a better lad. He's down to earth and won't change because that's who he is.

"That's refreshing in this day and age of celebrity-type footballers with lots of money, but he never changes when some people do change with success."

Rooney still has more than two years on his Old Trafford contract but has been linked with interest from Real Madrid and United are thought to be preparing a new improved deal.

Ferguson said: "I'm sure that David Gill (United chief executive] is working with (Rooney's agent) Paul Stretford. Hopefully something does happen."

Rooney's goal came after a sweeping move involving Nani. Park Ji-Sung added another after Nani had set United on the way with a brilliant solo run which culminated in his chip being palmed into the net by Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.

Arsenal scored a late consolation when Thomas Vermaelen's shot was deflected home off the unfortunate Wes Brown.

But while the Gunners looked desperately short of a striker in the absence of the injured Robin van Persie, manager Wenger insisted he had no intention of doing business before the transfer window shuts today.

Wenger said: "It's difficult to accept but easy to explain because we were poor offensively and defensively. We delivered an off-the mark performance and that is why we were well beaten. We were naive."

Wenger admitted it was a major jolt to their title ambitions, adding: "It was not just Rooney who gave us problems. We gave them too much room everywhere. Rooney took advantage of it.

"We conceded two goals from a corner for us and it turned into a goal for them. It was our positioning that was wrong."

He added: "Next Sunday we have to focus on delivering a different performance. Today we were never close in our marking. You do not win big games like that. We need to deliver something special now."