Ferguson takes aim at trophyless Wenger

Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a swipe at Arsene Wenger, insisting that he would not have allowed Manchester United to go without a trophy for six seasons.

Arsenal last won a piece of silverware in 2005, when Patrick Vieira’s penalty secured the FA Cup during that year against the Red Devils.

The Scot had previously put forward his support to Wenger, who has come under criticism for his transfer policy following the high-profile departures of Samir Nasri and captain Cesc Fabregas.

But at the same time, the 69-year-old feels that six drought-filled years would have been unacceptable at the Old Trafford club.

“I would not have allowed it to happen,” Ferguson said. “The press would have played their part and you expect that, but I could not have contemplated these things.”

“Arsene has got his way of managing and I have got mine,” he continued. “You do the best with what you believe in and that is what Arsene is trying to do. I don’t know exactly what his philosophy is but for a long period he had a group of good young French players but that seems to have dried up a little bit.”

“Teams go in cycles and you just have to hope that you are part of that cycle.”

“For years it was Arsenal and ourselves competing for the title. Then it was Chelsea and now Manchester City are on the map. We have always been part of that cycle.”