It was a classy gesture.
Manchester United took one step closer to securing second place this afternoon, beating a second string Arsenal side 2-1 thanks to a late header from Marouane Fellaini.
Arsenal’s line up was an indication that this match wasn’t their priority, though, with a visit to Atletico Madrid on the cards this week. The focus today was very much the fact that it would be Arsène Wenger’s last ever visit to Old Trafford, before he leaves Arsenal at the end of the season.
To mark the occasion, Sir Alex Ferguson presented Wenger with a commemorative gift before the match. After their years of bitter, intense rivalry, it was heartwarming to see the two greats share a moment of mutual respect.
The gift was a plaque, which stated:
“Presented to Arsène Wenger, by Sir Alex Ferguson CBE and José Mourinho on behalf of Manchester United Football Club, in recognition of his services and achievements to Arsenal Football Club, 1996-2018.”
This is the vase, presented to Arsene Wenger by SAF and Jose Mourinho. #mufc #afc pic.twitter.com/hTDiRyDd80
— Mike Keegan (@MikeKeegan_DM) April 29, 2018
Wenger may have lost today, but he will be hoping to bow out on a high by winning the Europa League. Having rested Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Özil, Jack Wilshere and Shkodran Mustafi today, Arsenal will be fit and ready to go at the Wanda Metopolitano on Thursday.
