For many, Diego Maradona is simply a cheat, while others see him as the greatest talent of his time. The modern generation of footballer was simply star-struck when the Argentina legend dropped in on Liverpool and Manchester United training sessions yesterday.

Maradona's infamous “Hand of God”, which put the ball past Peter Shilton in the 1986 World Cup, was not mentioned at United's Carrington training ground as they prepared for today's match away to Arsenal. Instead his fingers were put to less controversial use as the newly confirmed Argentina coach signed items and posed for pictures at both clubs.

As Maradona held talks with two of his England-based players - Carlos Tévez, the United forward, and Javier Mascherano, the Liverpool midfield player - the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher turned into gushing fans.

“We were like schoolkids around a star coming to school,” Ferdinand, 30 yesterday, said. “In my eyes he is the best footballer ever. He is one of my heroes, if not the shining beacon, when I was a kid. He was my idol and part of the reason why I started to play football. I can't hold him in higher esteem than that. To be able to shake his hand, get a cuddle off him and a picture, it made my birthday.”

Maradona's appearance briefly distracted attention from today's match at the Emirates Stadium. Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, said he was pleased that Arsenal will increase security around the dugouts after the “nasty” behaviour of some fans during last season's fixture.

Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, has been the subject of obscene chants in the past and Ferguson wants more action to stamp it out. “I think there's been a focus on fans' behaviour and the chants towards not just Arsène Wenger but other managers, too, are ridiculous,” he said. “I think the police should be doing more. They should be stepping in.”

Ferguson expects a difficult match. “Arsène has one or two key players out, but if anyone thinks it will be easy, they are wrong. It will be a tough game, as it always is,” he said.