Darren Ferguson seeks advice from dad Sir Alex ahead of Arsenal tie

Outside of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, there are likely few people who know the finer details of the famous rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal better than the famous Scottish manager's son, Darren Ferguson, whose Doncaster Rovers side will take on his old man's former counterpart.

The two iconic Premier League managers spent many years engaged in a fierce rivalry during an era that saw their sides dominate England's top flight

Darren, who spent four years as a player with United, is taking full advantage of his father's vast knowledge of Wenger's style by asking Sir Alex for a few tips before his team clashes with Arsenal during a League Cup match Wednesday at the Emirates Stadium.

"Yeah, I speak to him at length but obviously this game," Darren said, according to Richard Cooke of Sky Sports. "He's going to be there, my mother is going to be there, and my family, so it's good, good for everyone. All the lads' families will be there, but, like I say, it's important we go there and put on a performance."

Although there were plenty of occasions when Wenger and Sir Alex were at odds on the touchline and traded barbs through the media, Darren revealed the pair has a strong admiration for each other.

"There's an enormous amount of respect between my dad and Arsene Wenger," he said. "A huge amount of respect; they get on very, very well.

"Listen, they were competitive, both of them. They had to have that sort of competitive edge towards it when they were managing but I'm looking forward to coming up against him.

"He (Wenger) is a great manager and obviously the aim is to get one over him, but we know it is going to be difficult."

It will be an upset for the ages if Darren is successful in getting one over Wenger, as it will mark the Doncaster Rovers' first triumph over Arsenal since 1902, when the clubs competed in Division Two.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)