SIR ALEX FERGUSON has accused some Manchester United fans of being "half-asleep" during Premiership games and called on them to recreate the fervent atmosphere of Wednesday's epic Champions League tie with Celtic.

Despite boasting the biggest capacity in Britain at 76,000, Old Trafford has long been criticised for its lack of atmosphere at weekend games, in stark contrast to the famous tradition of rousing European nights at the Theatre of Dreams.

After experiencing the incredible atmosphere created by the Battle of Britain against Celtic, Fergie has urged United fans to turn the volume up at Old Trafford for every game - starting with Sunday's Premiership grudge match against Arsenal.

"Sometimes on a Saturday some of them come here and they're halfasleep, waiting to be entertained. But the Celtic game showed what a great atmosphere we can have," said Fergie.

"We have to get that Wednesday night atmosphere that we get when we play big European ties at Old Trafford."

But Fergie's comments drew an angry response from fans, who blamed the club for the lack of atmosphere for agreeing to unconventional kick-off times in return for financial gain.

And Mark Longden, of the Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association, said: "If they want a better atmosphere, they should encourage local fans to come. There are too many corporate fans at the moment and not enough of the stalwarts."