The Rivalry between managers of top Premier League clubs is a common thing, but there is also a mutual respect.

Sir Alex Ferguson, has now praised his Arsenal rival Arsene Wenger for sticking to his job and philosophy. The Frenchman has come under a lot of pressure in recent times from the club’s supporters, after failing to win a league title since 2004.

Defending his long last rival, the legendary United manager told ESPN,

“It’s just like me if I hadn’t progressed the club after the ’94 team or the ’99 team I would maybe having the same problems as Arsene, but he’s stayed with his conviction, he’s stayed with what he believes in.”

“When all the pressure – I’m thinking about the pressure I said to a few of my friends – who are they going to get to replace Arsene Wenger, you know, who are they going to get who is better than Arsene Wenger?”

“And that’s why they don’t do [sack him], that’s why they’ve stuck by him.”