Ferguson claims Man Utd v Arsenal rivalry ‘made the Premier League’

Sir Alex Ferguson has explained how Manchester United’s rivalry with Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal “made the Premier League”.

United host Arsenal on Sunday in what is likely to be Wenger’s final meeting with his old arch nemesis, and certainly his last as Gunners manager.

The Frenchman has enjoyed a storied rivalry with United down the years, much of which came during Ferguson’s time at Old Trafford.

The Scot will be in attendance for Wenger’s last tussle with the Red Devils.

“Although the Premier League started in 1992/93, that rivalry became the highlight of the league season,” Ferguson told United Review.

“Liverpool, without question, is the biggest fixture United ever got involved in, simply because of the history of both clubs: the two most successful clubs in Britain. I love those games, they’re fantastic.

“I know that now the rivalry has changed a bit, with Man City doing well, but these are the games that any Man United player would love to be involved in now: against City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham. There are some great clubs and some fantastic competition in the Premier League now, but United against Arsenal was great for the game. It made the Premier League.

“Virtually every game we played against Arsenal, there was a real edge to the match. There were confrontations, because there were two teams and two managers battling for one award: the Premier League. In my time, we had a few arguments but I always did really respect the man because he did a fantastic job at his club.”

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