Arsene Wenger still in contact with Sir Alex Ferguson despite Arsenal and Man Utd battles

Posted Saturday, October 03, 2020 by Dailystar.co.uk

Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger had some fierce clashes down the years but the two are still in each other’s phonebooks despite the Manchester United and Arsenal rivalry

Arsene Wenger has revealed he is still in touch with former touchline rival Sir Alex Ferguson.

Wenger and Ferguson had some fierce clashes down the years in charge of Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.

The two never appeared to see eye-to-eye with Arsenal and United the dominant teams of the Premier League in the late Nineties and Noughties.

But it seems they have become closer since leaving the dugouts with Ferguson retiring in 2013 and Wenger leaving the Gunners in the summer of 2018.

Wenger told The Times: “These people are all very busy. I’m not close enough to them… except [he pauses] Ferguson, yes.”

Arsene Wenger still in contact with Sir Alex Ferguson despite Arsenal and Man Utd battles
Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson were the greatest of enemies (Image: GETTY)

"I have Ferguson’s number, yes. We have a lot of respect for each other now.

"We had a period when it was very tough, very hot. After you’re not competing any more, everyone becomes a bit more objective.

"He [Ferguson] knows better wine than I do. Ah, we had some good battles.

"He’s an intelligent man. You don’t make a career like this guy if you’re stupid.”

"We had a period when it was very tough, very hot. After you’re not competing any more, everyone becomes a bit more objective.

"He [Ferguson] knows better wine than I do. Ah, we had some good battles.

"He’s an intelligent man. You don’t make a career like this guy if you’re stupid.”

Arsene Wenger still in contact with Sir Alex Ferguson despite Arsenal and Man Utd battles
Arsene Wenger left Arsenal in 2018 (Image: Getty)

Ferguson paid tribute to Wenger last year as the Frenchman was inducted into the Legends of Football Hall of Fame.

Fergie said: “Hi Arsene. “First of all I am sorry that I am not there tonight. I would have loved to have been there, for you to be honoured by Nordoff Robins.

"It is a fantastic charity and I am really proud of you for taking part in it.

"But, most of all, for the career that you had as a manager at Arsenal.

"It was absolutely fantastic, you are an absolute legend and that is why it is called Legends Tonight.

"Once again, I loved the competition against you, we had some great times and it is wonderful that you are getting this award. Good luck and my blessing is with you.”