Ferguson v Wenger Head-to-Head

Comparing the respective records of the Arsenal and Manchester United managers in their many head-to-head encounters

Trophies

Both men have been hugely successful at their respective clubs but Wenger has not won a major trophy since the FA Cup in 2005. In that time, Ferguson has won two Premier League titles, two League Cups and the Champions League as well as the Club World Cup.

Strengths

Ferguson’s man management is unrivalled, from motivation to discipline. His tactical nous and squad rotation show he is as sharp as ever and his willingness to delegate coaching responsibilities, while maintaining managerial control, is key to his success.

Wenger’s hands-on coaching and technical skills are responsible for Arsenal’s revered footballing style while his keen scouting eye ensures the Arsenal playing staff is arguably the Premier League’s most economical.

Weaknesses

Neither man has any glaring flaws. Ferguson’s iron rule occasionally proves costly – the departures of David Beckham and Jaap Stam after spats being cases in point – while he is perhaps less shrewd than his rival in the recruitment market.

Wenger is less authoritative – sometimes to a fault – and he has to accept blame for his players’ regular, if increasingly infrequent, disciplinary problems.

Mind Games

While Ferguson’s verbal jousting with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was strictly business and the pair held one another in high regard, there seems to be genuine contempt between the Scot and his Arsenal counterpart. Both can be as headstrong as the other but Ferguson has always seemed more adept at using the mind games.

Statistics

Played: 37

Manchester United: 14 wins (including penalty shoot-outs)

Arsenal: 15 wins

(including penalty shoot-outs)

Draws: 8

(not including games decided on penalties)