3 players who have played under Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson 

The Premier League enters a new era with new faces, tactics, and characters. The two longest-serving managers in the English top flight, Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson have had major battles in the past but the 18/19 season will be the first season in the Premier League without both these great figures.

However, only three players have played for both men and experienced what is it like in both dressing rooms. Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson created a rivalry that enthralled and captivated audiences from around the world and made the Premier League what it is today.

Here we look at the three players who have played under both these great managers.

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#3 Robin van Persie

Former Arsenal captain van Persie scores for United against Chelsea

Robin van Persie, Arsenal's then captain and top scorer decided in 2012 he wanted to move to Manchester United in search of silverware as his Gunners contract was coming to a close. Arsenal was unable to refuse an offer for the Dutchman as he risked losing him for free, with Wenger admitting the club were not in a financially strong enough position to keep their top players.

The prolific striker moved to United in what was seen by many as the ultimate betrayal. Van Persie left the Gunners in search for silverware and went on to win the league title in his first season with Red Devils, which was to be Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season in charge.

Van Persie stayed at the club for another 2 years before moving away without any considerable success under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal. The Dutchman played under two of the greatest managers of all time and claimed Wenger to be his footballing father and labelled Ferguson a genius.

#2 Mikael Silvestre

Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Silvestre

Arsenal fans will not remember his name fondly and it’s safe to say he was one of Arsene Wenger’s worst signings in his time at the club. Mikael Silvestre signed for United in 1999 from Inter Milan and the Frenchman went on to spend 9 seasons with United winning five league titles, an FA Cup and a Champions League.

Despite making 361 appearances during his long spell the player was not always a regular starter under Ferguson and sought adequate game time.

When Arsene Wenger and Arsenal came calling in 2008, he didn’t hesitate, signed for the Gunners in what was considered a weird signing to strengthen the core of his central defence. Wenger must have known he was taking a gamble on Silvestre given his shaky reputation and his age and turned out to be a terrible signing.

Silvestre ended up making only 43 appearances over the course of two seasons with the Gunners eventually leaving for Werder Bremen. The Frenchman was the first player to play under both these great managers.

#1 Danny Welbeck

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck celebrates a goal

Mancunian born, England and Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has endured a tough career with Manchester United and now Arsenal. The player is one of only three players to have played under Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

The Englishman began his career at United, breaking into the first team at the tender age of 19, with a stunning long-range effort against Stoke on his debut.

After 14 years at the club, aged 23-years-old, Welbeck decided to leave United for Arsenal in what was then a shock move, given the players pedigree. A Premier League winner in 2012-13 Arsenal was acquiring a talented forward, deemed surplus to requirements at United by then manager Louis van Gaal.

Arsenal picked up a quality player for £16 million but the player suffered a terrible long-term knee injury that kept him out of the game for a year. However, Welbeck returned to win an FA Cup with the Gunners under Wenger but niggling injuries have hampered the 27-year-old's progress.