Arsene Wenger v Sir Alex Ferguson

Matt Morley 7 years ago 3.8k
Both managers will go down in Premier League history. AFP

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger equalled old rival Sir Alex Ferguson's record for the most Premier League games managed when Arsenal took on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Thursday, but how do the two legendary gaffers compare?

Wenger matched Ferguson's tally of 810 Premier League games in charge against the 'Eagles', but the stats show that there is only one winner when the two are compared.

Ferguson won 528 of his 810 games at the helm, giving him a win ratio of 65.2%, significantly higher than Wenger's 57.8% (810 games, 468 wins).

Meanwhile, the Scot also lost fewer games than his rival, falling to defeat in just 14.1% of his matches (114 defeats) to Wenger's 17.9% (145).

It is easy to forget just how impressive Ferguson's teams were, but one look at the stats shows the story. The Manchester United legend formed a team that were ruthless in attack and solid at the back, a winning combination that helped his side to 13 league titles to Wenger's three, though the Frenchman's 'invincibles' side of 2003-04 that won the league without losing a single game will undoubtedly go down in history.

The impact of Ferguson's side at both ends of the pitch can be easily seen, with United scoring more goals (1,627 to 1,524) and conceding less (703 to 781) than Arsenal during Ferguson and Wenger's reigns.

United have the edge when it comes to cups as well, having won the Champions League on two occasions under Ferguson, a title that continues to evade Wenger to this day.

Curiously, the Frenchman has never won a League Cup with the 'Gunners' (Ferguson won four), though he is the most successful manager in the history of the FA Cup (seven wins to Ferguson's five).

The pair played a major role in helping shape Premier League football over the years, but there is no denything that Ferguson's achievements outstrip Wenger's.

Mentioned in the news story

Premier League
Manchester United