Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and ex‑Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger became the first managers inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame on Wednesday. Their rivalry, which intensified in the 1990s, produced 16 English top‑flight titles between them. Ferguson, 81, is the most successful manager in Premier League history, guiding Manchester United to 13 titles, while Wenger won the competition three times with Arsenal, including an unbeaten 2003/04 season.
Ferguson managed United for more than 26 years, winning the inaugural Premier League title in 1992/93 and delivering the Red Devils’ first league triumph since 1967. Six of his former players—David Beckham, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney, Peter Schmeichel and Paul Scholes—have already been inducted into the Hall of Fame. “It’s an honour when you receive recognition like this,” Ferguson said, having retired in 2013 after his 13th title. “However, it’s not just about me as a person. It’s about the job at Manchester United and the bond we had over many years, so I’m also proud of the club, the staff and my players.”
Wenger arrived at Arsenal in 1996 as one of the first foreign managers in the Premier League and remained until 2018. The Frenchman introduced a revolutionary football philosophy, emphasizing nutrition and sports science, and committed to attractive, attacking play, winning the title in his first full season, 1997/98. He oversaw an astute transfer strategy, scouting abroad for talent; fellow Hall of Fame members Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira were key acquisitions. “To share this with Sir Alex is a great honour for me,” the 73‑year‑old, now FIFA’s football development chief, said. “It’s like two boxers—you fight like mad and go the distance together. In the end, you have respect, and it will be a great opportunity to meet with him, share a good bottle of wine and memories of our old battles.”
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the two managers brought “unparalleled levels of success” to their clubs. “The dominance of Manchester United under Sir Alex remains unmatched after he guided them to an incredible 13 titles across 21 Premier League seasons,” he noted. “Arsène was an innovator who was well ahead of his time… and the Invincibles season is not only one of the greatest accomplishments in English football but sport in general.”
AFP
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