MANCHESTER United boss Alex Ferguson today admitted he's relishing the prospect of renewing acquaintances with Rovers after the two clubs became fierce title rivals during the Nineties.

Ironically, it was United who ultimately sent Rovers spiralling out of the Premiership after the clubs drew 0-0 in the last Premiership game to be staged at Ewood in 1999.

But two years on, Rovers are back in the big time and Ferguson is anticipating a stern examination against Graeme Souness's promotion heroes.

"This will be Blackburn's first home game back in the Premiership so they're going to be up for it," said Ferguson

"They lost their first game, and they'll want a good start, so it makes it a hard game for us."

United opened up their own campaign with a less than convincing 3-2 home win over Fulham -- a performance which provoked a furious ear-bashing from Fergie.

And the Reds boss believes some of his side's defending in that game will have given Rovers plenty of food for thought.

"That will encourage Blackburn," said Ferguson.

"They will be desperate to get stuck in early, thinking they could be five goals up."

Ferguson is also relishing the prospect of crossing swords again with Graeme Souness -- an old adversary of United's from his days as a Liverpool player and manager.

"Graeme has got a bit about him, he's got an edge to himself," said Fergie..

"He's a winner and he obviously imparts that to his players and when you face that type of situation, you know they're going to be a competitive team.

"Losing on Saturday was not something he'd have wanted in his first game, but nonetheless Graeme has done a very good job there and he has some players who can do well."