Arsenal’s Arsène Wenger can learn from Man Utd’s Sir Alex Ferguson

Sharethematch.com looks at how Arsène Wenger can learn from Sir Alex Ferguson when handling the Robin van Persie saga

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By Share The Match Saturday 7 July 2012, 13:42 UK

Arsène Wenger's side finished in third place in the Premier League last termPA Photos

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Wenger can learn from master Ferguson

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has already been handed his first assignment of the season, which will most likely define their forthcoming campaign.

The Robin van Persie statement earlier this week was not too dissimilar to Wayne Rooney’s in October 2010.

Sir Alex Ferguson managed that extremely well as he pacified both his star striker, the media, the supporters and most importantly Rooney’s agent Paul Stretford.

It was over within a matter of days, and both Ferguson and Rooney brought home the Premier League title seven months later, so it will be interesting to see how Wenger handles this situation.

But it is not looking good for the Gunners. Wenger is not as wise or as adept in this form of man-management as his oldest foe Ferguson.

Arsenal will probably sell Van Persie and move on – they are still paying off their new stadium and will not want to be held at ransom to dish out extortionate wages.

It is understandable the 28-year-old world-class Dutchman wants out. He wants to win silverware, but so does Wenger, and the Gunners manager has to convince his catalyst for success to remain in London.

If Wenger fails there will be comparisons to Ferguson, and all of them will favour the United boss, who faced the Rooney saga during a season, was forced into acting fast – although he had owners with deeper pockets.

Caulker deserves chance in new-look Spurs defence

Steven Caulker impressed on loan at Swansea last season, and demonstrated an ability to play the ball out from the back.

The 20-year-old Feltham youngster has not been able to get a look-in at White Hart Lane over the past three years, being farmed out to Yeovil Town and Bristol City.

But with André Villas-Boas replacing Harry Redknapp, the centre-half should be given the opportunity to prove he can hack it at a big club.

Last season, Spurs showed signs of the familiar failings at the back, with injuries plaguing key players. Ledley King and William Galllas look to be on their last legs, and despite Michael Dawson’s all-round excellence he has spent large chunks of the past two seasons side-lined.

The best bet for next season is surely to start with Caulker – who has extended his contract with Spurs until 2016 – and Younes Kaboul, and give the youngster the chance to repeat the form that has won him a call-up to the Team GB football squad.