Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson reveals admiration for old rival Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
Fergie warns Arsenal that sacking Wenger could bring instability to club and says he admires dignity and stubbornness Frenchman has shown during criticism
SIR ALEX FERGUSON has warned Arsenal that sacking Arsene Wenger after his team failed to qualify for the Champions League could plunge the club into instability.
Fergie voiced his admiration for his former arch-rival, praising Wenger's resilience under pressure, and saying “I feel sorry for him”.
United have suffered a huge dip in fortunes since Ferguson retired in 2013, with David Moyes and Louis van Gaal failing to keep up the club's high standards.
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United have enjoyed some improvement under Jose Mourinho, but remain far from the formidable force they were under Ferguson.
The club won 13 Premier League titles and two European Cups under the Scot, who ruled Old Trafford for 26 years.
For the first time in 20 years with Wenger at the helm, Arsenal failed to qualify for the Champions League as the season came to a dramatic end today.
They beat Everton 3-1 but it was not enough as Liverpool and Manchester City won.
The Frenchman has faced a barrage of criticism and abuse as Arsenal's season unravelled again, but Ferguson has warned against a knee-jerk reaction.
Asked whether this was the end of the era of the long-term boss, Ferguson told Sky Sports: “I hope not.
“Because I think that stability that a manager like Arsene Wenger has brought to Arsenal, Brian Clough at Forest, myself at United... there's no evidence that sacking a manager brings success.
“But there is evidence that Arsene Wenger, myself and Brian Clough can bring success with long-termism.
“At the moment, the ridiculous situation with the sort of pressure that Arsene is under, I wonder, really, do they realise the job that Arsene has done?
“The most amazing thing about them is this. He has come through a forest of criticism for months now and he has never bowed. He has sailed right through.
“He has shown a determination, a stubbornness, and I think when you look at that, that is a quality.
“I'm not sure they'll ever get another manager like that. It's quite easy to say, 'Yeah, get rid of him', but who are they going to get?
“Who are you going to get that is going to keep that club the way they are, the way they've been for the last 20 years.
“I feel sorry for him, because I think he's shown outstanding qualities in how he's handled the situation, because I don't know many that could have done that.”
Arsenal face Chelsea in next Saturday's FA Cup final, after which Wenger's future is set to be decided at a board meeting.