Fergie and Wenger bury the hatchet... and share a bottle

SIR ALEX FERGUSON and Arsene Wenger described yesterday how they have ended their legendary rivalry after becoming the first managers to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.

They won 16 titles between them with Manchester United and Arsenal but grew to be fierce adversaries. Ferguson, 81, revealed that he and 73-year-old Wenger have since become dinner companions after burying the hatchet, even though the former United manager has the final say on the wine list.

‘We have a terrific relationship,’ said Ferguson. ‘It’s amazing because obviously we didn’t converse (when facing off in the dugout). He had his job, I had my job. But through the years since retirement, we’d go for dinner in a little restaurant he knows well in Switzerland. ‘He’s a really interesting man and I enjoy his company — but it’s still my job to pick the wine!’ Reflecting on the Frenchman’s arrival in England in 1996, Ferguson added: ‘I didn’t know him. He had been in Japan. It was a big decision but it was a good decision. He transformed the club. They became a tough team to compete with and we both wanted to win, which motivated us further.’ Wenger said: ‘To share this with Sir Alex is a great honour. It’s like two boxers: you fight like mad and go the distance together. At the end of the day, you have respect and it will be a great opportunity to meet and share memories of our battles.’ Three former Premier League stars will join Ferguson and Wenger in the Hall, with fans able to vote on a 15-player shortlist being announced this morning.