The Premier League announced on Wednesday that Scottish manager Alex Ferguson and French manager Arsène Wenger have been selected as the first managers to be inducted into the English Football League’s Hall of Fame for their outstanding past achievements at the helm of their respective clubs, Manchester United and Arsenal, respectively. The two iconic coaches, who had long spells in the dugouts of the Red Devils and the Gunners, maintained a great rivalry between their teams but always respected each other.
Alex Ferguson took over in the 1992–93 season and was in charge of Manchester United for 26 years. Prior to his arrival, the club had not been champions since 1967.
In 2013, he retired with the most titles (13) in Premier League history. The former coach, now 81, stated that this recognition is an honor, but it is not just about him as a person. It is also a reward for the work done at Manchester United and for the bond created over the years.
Six of his former players are already in the Hall of Fame: David Beckham, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney, Peter Schmeichel, and Paul Scholes.
On the other hand, Wenger arrived at Arsenal in 1996 as one of the first foreign managers in England. He left Arsenal in 2018, having left a very unique personal mark and having revolutionized the game by integrating science and dietetics into a more professional approach. The Frenchman, now 73 years old and responsible for the development of FIFA, bet on attacking soccer and helped to enshrine several great names, such as his compatriots Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, both already present in the “Hall of Fame.”
In 1997-1998, his first full season in charge of Arsenal, he won his first championship title. In the 2003-2004 season, Arsenal went unbeaten all season. Wenger said that sharing all this with Sir Alex is a great honor for him and that the two are like two boxers who have fought and walked the path together. In the end, there will be respect, and it will be a reason to meet again, have a good wine, and talk about their old battles.