Wenger praise for Ferguson’s ‘exceptional’ reign at Man United
Arsène Wenger and Steve Bruce both believe Sir Alex Ferguson's feats at Old Trafford will never be repeated
Premier League bosses have been hailing the impact Sir Alex Ferguson has had on Manchester United and English football as the Scot prepares to celebrate 25 years in charge at Old Trafford.
During Ferguson’s spell with the Red Devils, Arsenal have been United’s most consistent title rivals. But Gunners manager Arsène Wenger admits his adversary’s achievements are unlikely to ever be repeated by anyone.
“People are talking about it a lot at the moment and all you can say is that it his quality and consistency is remarkable,” said Wenger.
“It is exceptional as well because I don’t know anybody who has done 25 years at the top level with the same club. Certainly never anybody will do it again.
“Will I do it? The distance is a bit far, that would be 10 more years. I am already happy if I make this year a good season after all of this!”
Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, who played under the Scot at United, believes Ferguson has surpassed all the past managerial greats – and his trophy haul of 12 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League cups and two Champions League titles will never be eclipsed by another manager in the English game.
“You would have to say now that he has surpassed all the greats in the game,” said Bruce, whose side travel to Old Trafford on Saturday. “There will never be another manager like him as far as I am concerned. He is out on his own as the best there has ever been.
“What he has done at Old Trafford is quite incredible. To be in charge of a club of United’s stature for so long is an unbelievable feat in itself but that have the success that they have had is quite staggering.
“Winning the Premier League was always the Holy Grail because we had not won the title in 26 years so that was the big thing that he wanted to achieve in the early days. It was quite obvious that he wanted to topple Liverpool and it didn’t take him long to do it – now they have overtaken them by winning 19 titles.”
Bruce added: “It’s quite ironic that I could be a bit of a party-pooper this weekend but I haven’t been able to beat him since I left United and went into management.”
