Patrick Vieira insisted Arsenal "deserve" to win a trophy this season as he committed his long-term future to the club ahead of the FA Cup final.

Vieira, who is "ready for anything" in his personal battle with Roy Keane in Saturday's game, is determined not to finish a season empty-handed as Gunners captain for the first time since 2001.

"We did not win the Premiership and we are not in the Champions League final, so the only trophy left for us is the FA Cup," he declared.

"But the way we have played this year, I think we deserve to win a trophy. We have played fantastic football this season, better even than last year. We have taken it to a different level."

Asked if Arsenal are a better footballing side than Manchester United, Vieira declared: "Going forwards, I would say yes. Compared to last season, we have created more chances and scored more goals, we have improved a lot.

"But defensively, we have to do a bit more as a team. Everybody has to work more if we want to do well in the Champions League and against the big clubs."

Vieira's belief that Arsenal can finally conquer Europe nevertheless underpins his desire to stay at the club, pledging not to become embroiled in another summer of links with Real Madrid.

Asked if he could say for certain that he will be at Highbury next season, he maintained: "Yes, of course.

"Why? Firstly, because I have two years left on my contract and, secondly, because I really believe that we are going to achieve what we can do as a team, with the quality of the young players here."

Boss Arsene Wenger responded: "Last year, I felt at some stage that we had lost Patrick because he was really determined to go.

"In the end, he changed his mind and I never knew completely why. But I have never had any doubt in my mind in the last six months that he might go."

The more imminent problem for Arsenal is that they have failed to beat United in their past seven competitive encounters, including two Premiership defeats this season.

"Saturday will be the day then!" insisted Vieira, with Jose Antonio Reyes a confirmed starter in the absence of Thierry Henry through injury.

"I don't think we are their favourite team to play against. It has always been a really difficult game and the small decisions make a big difference."

Arsenal's defeat at Old Trafford was the turning-point in their season, with their 49-game unbeaten league run coming to a shuddering halt.

"We took too long to respond and start winning games again. Of course, that is why we did not get close to Chelsea," admitted Vieira.

The Arsenal captain's own loss of form also contributed to their failure to defend their title, but he believes he is now close to his best again.

"I am quite disappointed with the way that I have played through this season as I don't think that I was near to my best," he conceded.

"But now, getting near to the end of the season, I am feeling a lot better. We must concentrate on football and on not reacting. If we do that, we will have a good chance of beating them."