He masterminded Manchester United's glory days — and Sir Alex Ferguson made a visit to his former club's training ground ahead of their crunch clash with Arsenal.

Ferguson oversaw an unrivalled period of domination at United where he led the club to 38 trophies, including two Champions League titles, before finally calling time on his reign in 2013.

The legendary manager was back at his former club on Friday as he visited their Aon training complex while some of his ex-players geared up for the mouthwatering tie.

Sir Alex Ferguson arrives at Manchester United's training ground with his wife Cathy

Ferguson visits the state-of-the-art Aon complex ahead of United's crunch clash with Arsenal

FERGUSON'S RECORD FOR UNITED AGAINST ARSENAL Games played: 42 Wins: 19 Draws: 12 Defeats: 11 Win percentage: 45.2 per cent Premier League stats only Advertisement

The 74-year-old Scotsman was pictured arriving at the state-of-the-art training complex in his Mercedes, accompanied by his wife Cathy.

Perhaps Ferguson was visiting to give his advice to current boss Jose Mourinho, who is preparing his United side for the visit of Arsene Wenger's side.

During his time as the Red Devils' manager, the club icon guided his team to 19 wins in 42 Premier League matches against Arsenal.

Mourinho, who took charge at Old Trafford in the summer, will need as much help as he can get, having suffered somewhat of a defensive injury crisis in recent months.

Ferguson was present for United's session as they prepare to face bitter rivals on Saturday

The legendary boss guided the Old Trafford club to 13 Premier League titles (pictured in 2013)

Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Antonio Valencia are among the players ruled out for Saturday's crunch clash, while the experienced Zlatan Ibrahimovic is suspended.

The Red Devils, however, will be hoping to get one over their title rivals when they go head-to-head in Saturday's early kick-off.

Going into this weekend's fixtures, United are currently sixth in the Premier League table, eight points behind surprise leaders Liverpool.

And victory over Wenger's side will see them move to within three points of Arsenal, who currently occupy the last Champions League spot.

Ferguson oversaw an unrivalled period of domination before calling time on his reign in 2013