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Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed his old managerial rival Arsene Wenger and has given him a huge vote of confidence, as reported by Guardian. Both managers have mutual respect for each other despite their fierce encounters in the past, especially during the early 2000s.
Manchester United travel to Emirates to face their rivals Arsenal in a Super Sunday fixture and Ferguson has warned everyone who’s been calling out for Wenger’s head after his poor run of results over the past few years. The Frenchman celebrated 19 years in charge of the club earlier this week, but Olympiacos spoiled the party by upsetting the manager with a 3-2 victory at the Emirates.
For people who have been following the Premier League for the past decade or so is fully aware of the ‘Wenger-Ferguson rivalry’ during the early 2000s. Both clubs competed against each other on all fronts and had true leaders on their sides with the likes of Patrick Viera and Roy Keane. However, the rivalry has cooled down ever since Ferguson’s retirement as both clubs have failed to establish themselves as title contenders in the past few seasons.
Replacing Wenger at Arsenal is very difficult: Ferguson
When asked about whether Arsenal should replace Wenger, Ferguson told The Guardian, “Arsene has taken a lot of flak, but who’s going to replace him?”
The quote sounds like a warning after United made a mess of replacing the Scot after his 26-year spell at Old Trafford. The Red Devils suffered when they replaced Ferguson and brought in David Moyes who lasted less than a year and failed to qualify for the Champions League. The 73-year-old clearly believes there is still no one better than Wenger to take Arsenal forward.
“Who’s going to make it better? It’s a very difficult position for anyone who comes in after Arsene and has to change the philosophy he introduced, and kept, for all those years.”
Despite Wenger's past achievements and service he has offered to the club, the Frenchman is expected to feel the heat if his side suffers another defeat to United this Sunday. The Gunners could well be on the verge of an early exit from UEFA Champions League as well, having failed to win their first two fixtures in the competition.
Louis van Gaal is now into his second season in charge of the Red Devils and his side could go on to claim their position at the top if they pick up a crucial away victory.
There is good news for Arsenal fans as Petr Cech returns in goal, but the team will be without their most consistent defender Laurent Koscielny, who is out with a hamstring injury. Wenger is likely to start Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista for the game against United.
