Rio: Wenger got it wrong

Rio Ferdinand: 'Arsenal should recognise our achievement'

14 April 2012

Rio Ferdinand today branded Arsene Wenger 'unprofessional' and hit back at his claim that Arsenal are still the best side in England.

In the wake of Manchester United's title triumph, Wenger argued that Arsenal showed more consistency over the season, while Sir Alex Ferguson's side just came good at the right time.

But Ferdinand believes the Premiership trophy - along with qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals - proves that his side are the genuine article.

He said: "I have the greatest respect for Arsenal and would never put other teams down like that. It is not a very professional way to behave. Mr Wenger says they are better than us, but the league table doesn't get it wrong.

"It says we are the best side - and we also went further in the Champions League."

The England defender also claimed that the confident statements coming out of Highbury when Arsenal were leading the league had no effect on the United players. He said: "We never responded to what they were saying during the season and just got on with our job. We have done that and I think Arsenal should recognise our achievement."

After United clinched their eighth title in 11 years Ferguson has set his sights on European glory next season, but admitted the United squad needs improving.

Ferguson said: "We have to address the issue of the European Cup because it is not good enough for a side like ours to have won it only twice. We've got some young defenders who've got to improve. We don't have the same level of experience as some. I also feel we need to add something to the party in terms of cunning and those little nuances you get in European football.

"It's not about ability and certainly not ambition, it's just those little things that make a difference."

Ferguson - who is reported to have been offered a £12 million four-year-contact to stay on as manager - also insisted that since he decided not to retire at the end of last season, his hunger for the job has returned.

He said: "Making that decision not to retire is probably the best I have ever made. The minute I decided to pick up the tools again, I got something back. I have really enjoyed it."

Meanwhile, Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore today insisted United would receive the Premiership trophy at Goodison Park on Sunday despite Everton wanting it to be presented at Old Trafford prior to the game. He said: "There is no question. The trophy will be presented at Everton. I do not believe there is a safety issue."

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Rio: Wenger got it wrong

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