It was arguably the defining rivalry of the Premier League era thus far: Arenal v Manchester United, Wenger v Ferguson.

It may have been pretty explosive at its peak, but Arsene Wenger insists his relationship with his former rival has changed for the better.

"Now, it’s peaceful," he said. "Both of us have calmed down and with time respect always takes over. You know that both of you fight and I think with both of us, we identified highly with our clubs because we stayed for a long time.

"For both of us, it was more than just a manager who does his job in a professional football cub. We were highly identified by being linked in a strong way with our club and having a love story.

"He has a love story with Man United and I have one with Arsenal. That’s why maybe as well it was more than just winning a game at stake.



"We are closer already. We have a good relationship and we keep our individual memories."