Sir Alex Ferguson has praised his old rival Arsène Wenger ahead of the Frenchman's 1,000th match as Arsenal manager and believes his achievement is proof that stability at a club is vital.

Wenger will become just the fourth manager, after Sir Matt Busby, Dario Gradi and Ferguson himself, to reach the historic landmark at one English club when the Gunners take on Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

With Wenger now set to match Ferguson's feat, the Scot was quick to pay tribute to a peer who had "survived together" with him.

"I congratulate Arsène in reaching this momentous landmark," Ferguson said.

"Having also reached the same milestone at one club, I cannot emphasise enough the level of dedication, resilience as well as sacrifice required and for that I have for the utmost admiration.

"Over the years we enjoyed some fantastic battles and you could say we had survived together and respected each other's efforts to play good football. I always enjoy watching Arsène's sides – Arsenal play the right way.

"Playing against them always presented special challenges that I burned many hours over the years thinking about. He has always been a conscientious member of our trade who makes it his business to help other managers.

"Perhaps the biggest compliment I could give Arsène is that I could never be anything other than competitive with my rival for 17 years," he said in a League Managers Association statement.

The 64-year-old first took charge of the north London club on October 1, 1996 and has overseen one of the best periods in their history, winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups.

"Overall this achievement once again shows what stability can bring to a football club and without doubt he has created a permanent legacy during his 1,000 matches with the club," Ferguson said.