Man U’s message to Wenger

MANCHESTER. - Arsene Wenger was treated to a warm reception by old rival Sir Alex Ferguson on his last trip to Old Trafford as Arsenal boss on Sunday.

The Frenchman has enjoyed a long and fraught relationship with Manchester United since his arrival in English football 22 years ago, ruffling plenty of feathers and embracing the role of irritant and adversary.

But having announced his departure at the end of the season there was a show of respect, led by his long-term foe Ferguson. Wenger was afforded a round of applause from the home support as he walked from tunnel to dugout, and he then posed with Ferguson as the Scot presented him with a silver vase.

The gift was inscribed with a message which read: “Presented to Arsene Wenger by Sir Alex Ferguson CBE and Jose Mourinho on behalf of Manchester United Football Club, in recognition of his service to and achievements at Arsenal Football Club 1996 - 2018.”

Mourinho, who has also had a rocky relationship with Wenger, stepped in to shake his hand and shared a few words with his opposite number before kickoff. And Mourinho hopes he gets the chance to face Wenger again after the outgoing Arsenal manager’s final visit to Old Trafford as Gunners’ boss ended in a 2-1 defeat on Sunday.

“I hope I play against him again,” said Mourinho.

“I hope that can happen again. If not in the Premier League, who knows (where) we can have a big match somewhere?” Wenger also hailed Ferguson and Mourinho for their pre-match presentation to him. - AFP.