Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams has said changes need to be made at Old Trafford if Manchester United are to challenge for trophies.

Adams, who retired from football at the end of last season, made the bold statement on the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year awards show on Sunday evening.

"I feel maybe some changes need to be made at Old Trafford, " he said. "It has to get new life."

The former England centre-back also ruled out any possibility of replacing Arsene Wenger as Arsenal's coach in the near future.

The ability has always been there, but it was the hunger and desire I questioned Sir Alex Ferguson Man Utd manager

"I would love the job, but I'm completely not ready," said Adams, who made over made over 500 league appearances for the Gunners in a one-club 18-year career.

"I think clubs choose you, you don't choose them. I believe Arsenal did that for me at 14 and that was my path, but It's not for now."

Adams' views on his old club's biggest rivals come despite him tipping United to win the Premiership this season - and their 2-0 victory over Arsenal on Saturday.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, has insisted that his players treat their defeat at Old Trafford as "a wake-up call" after a run of poor form.

And Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the derby defeat at Maine Road last month may have been the catalyst for his team's dramatic revival.

Ferguson's men looked down and out after that 3-1 defeat. But successive wins over Liverpool and Arsenal have thrust them back up into third place, only three points behind Arsenal.

Ferguson said: "I think that [the City defeat] was the defining moment, I really do. I've been delighted with the players' response since then.

"They have proved time and time again that they have the ability - but you have to keep your foot on them all the time about the desire to win matches."

He added: "The ability has always been there, but it was the hunger and desire I questioned. When we've got that, too, we can handle anything."