Arsene Wenger was handed some end-of-season silverware by his old nemesis, Alex Ferguson, on Sunday in what would be the Frenchman’s final trip to Old Trafford as Arsenal manager.
Ferguson welcomed Wenger with a warm embrace before kick-off, handing him a piece of silverware gifted by the club as an appreciation for his 22 years in English football.
Ferguson presented Wenger with a silver vase, with a message carved: “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.”
Wenger and Ferguson were then joined by current United boss Jose Mourinho, as three of the Premier League’s most successful managers posed for photos near the dugouts at Old Trafford.
A stoppage-time header from substitute, Marouane Fellaini, however, meant Wenger’s last appearance ended in defeat with all three points going the way of second-placed Manchester United.
Paul Pogba drove United into the lead in the 16th minute, pouncing after Alexis Sanchez had headed a Romelu Lukaku cross against the post.
Arsenal, fielding a largely second-string side, drew level in the 51st minute when Henrikh Mkhitaryan, signed from United in January, beat David De Gea with a well-placed effort.
United’s Marcus Rashford had the ball in the net in the final minute but the effort was ruled out for offside before Fellaini headed in the stoppage-time winner from an Ashley Young cross.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in his post-match comments said that his young team gave a good account of themselves, adding that they deserved a little more.
“It was a good performance. It reflects a little our away season. We had chances and on the counter we did not use our opportunities as well as we could have.
“It was very positive for the young team, but it is very disappointing in the dressing room and I think in the last 20 minutes you can see that some of the players are not used to that pace and intensity.
“It is good to see them in this atmosphere – who can win challenges. You can know their level, but you see what they can produce. It was hard to name a bad performance in our side.”
On the pre-match presentation from Ferguson and Mourinho, Wenger said it was very ‘nice and classy’.
“I enjoyed it. I have come here for a long long time. Next year, someone else will be in the dug-out and it will be a hostile environment again.”
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho on his part noted that his team was a bit lucky to score in injury-time.
“I think if it was a draw it wouldn’t be unfair. Arsenal did a good game, they defended well, but we were the team that tried to win that created a few more chances. But that is normal.
“We were a bit lucky to score, but we were stronger in the last 20 minutes.
“We won three points that kill the Champions League story. But we still need four points to finish second which is what we want.”
On Arsene Wenger’s send-off, he said: “I think we did it fantastically well as a club. It would mean more for Alex to do it. I only played Mr Wenger three or four times as United manager.”
