Sir Alex Ferguson & Arsène Wenger Inducted Into Premier League Hall Of Fame
Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger have today been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
The duo created a remarkable legacy with Manchester United and Arsenal respectively, winning a combined 16 Premier League titles as they established one of the most famed rivalries in the League’s history.
The Hall of Fame recognises and celebrates individuals who have an exceptional record of success and have made a significant contribution to the Premier League since its inception in 1992. It is the highest individual honour awarded by the League.
Sir Alex Ferguson is the most successful manager in Premier League history, with a record 13 titles, including winning the title for an unprecedented three seasons in a row on two separate occasions.
During an incredible 27-year career at Old Trafford, which incorporated 21 Premier League seasons, his Manchester United side won the inaugural Premier League title in 1992/93 to deliver the Red Devils’ first league success since 1967 and kickstart a remarkable era of success.
Six players managed by Ferguson have already been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame: David Beckham, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney, Peter Schmeichel and Paul Scholes.
Sir Alex’s all-time Premier League record stands at 528 wins from 810 matches and 1,752 points accumulated. He was named manager of the season 11 times and collected the Manager of the Month award on 27 occasions.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: “I’m truly delighted to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. It’s an honour when you receive recognition like this. However, it’s not just about me as a person. It’s about the job at Manchester United and the bond we had over many years, so I’m also proud for the club, the staff and my players.
Arsène Wenger’s 22 seasons in charge of Arsenal is a Premier League record. He won the Premier League three times and made history in 2003/04 as “The Invincibles” became the only team to win the title while remaining unbeaten throughout the entire campaign.
Arriving as one of the first foreign managers in the Premier League in 1996, Wenger’s impact was instantaneous and remarkable. He raised standards through a revolutionary football philosophy and commitment to playing attractive, attacking football, winning the title in 1997/98, his first full season with the club.
Wenger oversaw an astute transfer strategy, including scouting abroad for talent, which notably brought about the signings of fellow Hall of Fame members Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.
Wenger has managed a record 828 Premier League matches, including 476 wins and 199 draws. He was voted Manager of the Season in 1998, 2002 and 2004.
Arsène Wenger said: “I am very grateful to have been selected for the Premier League Hall of Fame. We always wanted to give something special to the fans and when you have players capable of remarkable things, the most important thing for me is the obligation of perfection.
“To share this with Sir Alex is a great honour for me. It’s like two boxers, you fight like mad and go the distance together. At the end of the day, you have respect and it will be a great opportunity to meet with him, share a good bottle of wine and memories of our old battles.”
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters, said: “We are delighted to welcome our first two managers into the Premier League Hall of Fame. Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger both made a remarkable contribution to the history of football in this country.
“They brought unparalleled levels of success to Manchester United and Arsenal respectively, raising standards and thrilling fans with a rivalry which resulted in an astonishing 16 title wins between them.”
Image: Premier League
