Source: Telegraph
Manchester United v Arsenal: Sir Alex Ferguson reveals respect for Arsène Wenger
Football's odd couple have had their run-ins down the years. Criticisms, accusations and sheer hostility have flown between the mouths of both men, but the recent thaw in their relationship will once again be evident when Manchester United face Arsenal at Old Trafford on Saturday evening. [LNB]Ferguson said: "When Arsène came to Arsenal, there were feisty things between the clubs and that probably transferred itself into both managers. But there has always been a respect for the work that has been done by both managers and for each other - nothing has changed in that respect. [LNB] Related ArticlesSong finds his rhythmWenger's fury boosts UnitedRooney or Ronaldo, who is the ace?Anderson and Carrick feel heatCesc Fàbregas ruled out of United clashSport on television"The other thing is that Arsène and I have been here for such a long time that it's hard to imagine you're not going to have one or two arguments in that period of time. Longevity brings that. [LNB]"We have loads of situations now where new managers come in and vanish after a couple of years. It's just the two of us and we'll probably ride out into the sunset together! We're both winners and that's why we're at big clubs like United and Arsenal." [LNB]Arsenal's 100 per cent start to the season has led to a re-evaluation of their title prospects, but Ferguson believes the North London club are stronger than last season thanks to Wenger's summer transfer dealings. [LNB]He said: "Arsène has always picked the moment when he thinks it's right for players to move on and he's done that fantastically well over the years. [LNB]"He has done that with Mark Overmars, Emmanuel Petit, Nicolas Anelka and Patrick Vieira. He has always done good business and he obviously felt that this was the time for Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to move on [to Manchester City]. [LNB]"I don't think the level of ability [at Arsenal] has changed one bit, but he seems to have a good harmony in the squad there now." [LNB]Old Trafford will pose Arsenal's sternest test yet and Ferguson admits that United must secure three points. [LNB]He said: "We've already lost one, so we can't afford to lose another. We didn't take enough points against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool last season, so this is a chance to address that." [LNB]
