Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are the first managers to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
The two iconic managers are renowned for their time with Manchester United and Arsenal respectively, where they won multiple trophies.
Sir Alex Ferguson is one of the first two managers to be inducted into the Hall of Fame[/caption]
Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles across three decades, five FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League twice while Wenger lifted three Premier League titles as well as seven FA Cups.
But their battles on the touchline were legendary and the United and Arsenal clashes were always the first to be sought out when the fixture calendar was released.
It has led to some truly iconic moments like Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira tussling in the tunnel, Thierry Henry’s moment of magic and Ryan Giggs’ incredible FA Cup goal.
“Legendary managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have today been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame,” a statement from the organisation said.
“The duo created a remarkable legacy with Manchester United and Arsenal respectively, winning a combined 16 Premier League titles as they established one of the most famed rivalries in the League’s history.
“The Hall of Fame recognises and celebrates individuals who have an exceptional record of success and have made a significant contribution to the Premier League since its inception in 1992. It is the highest individual honour awarded by the League.”
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But rivalries are in the past. “We have a terrific relationship,” Ferguson said upon his induction. “It’s amazing because obviously we didn’t converse [while managing].
“He had his job, I had my job… There’s no doubt that we both wanted to win and both displayed that in the way our teams played the games against each other.
“But over the years, through the UEFA meetings in Switzerland, Arsène and I go for dinner together in a little restaurant he knows well.
“I enjoy his company. He’s a really interesting man. But it is still my job to pick the wine!”
And Wenger agreed, even down to the fact that Fergie has a better wine palette.
The Arsenal legend said: “Sir Alex Ferguson was the boss of bosses.
“This rivalry [between Arsenal and Manchester United] became bigger and bigger, but there was still respect there.
“Once you’re not playing against each other anymore, it’s like two boxers, you fight like mad and go the distance together.
“At the end of the day, you have respect and [being inducted into the Hall of Fame together] will be a great opportunity to meet with him, share a good bottle of wine and memories of our old battles.
“In a good restaurant, Alex Ferguson has another superiority over me: he knows better wine than I do… So he always wants to choose the wine when we have one.
“I will be happy to share a good dinner and a good bottle of wine with him.”
Showdown Saturday on talkSPORT
On Saturday 1 April, it’s all kicking off on talkSPORT.
12:30pm: Starting the day, Man City host Liverpool in a key Premier League game.
3pm: Crystal Palace vs Leicester sees the return of Roy Hodgson to the Selhurst Park dugout.
7pm: Build-up begins for the heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin as AJ starts his route back to the top.
What. A. Day.
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