Revealed: My 10-part test that finally proves who's the better manager out of Fergie and Arsene
By Michael Calvin
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State of Play
Fergie is on the verge of his greatest achievement, winning a record 19th League title with a flawed, transitional team that reflects the force of his will. 9/10
Wenger reached nirvana, beating Barcelona with a team that mirrors his belief in art, athleticism and a geometric appreciation of space. 9
Business Acumen
Fergie’s insistence there is “no value in the market” has been criticised in the context of his support for the Glazers. Bebe may prove his point. 8
Wenger’s refusal to speculate infuriates, but he has the foresight and insight of a forensic accountant. The Emirates is his shrine. 9
Club Culture
Fergie revived the Busby spirit, regenerated respect for Family values and re-established United as a home for compulsive winners. 9
Wenger used George Graham’s raw material to build The Invincibles, and has developed a dynasty without matching United’s sense of identity. 8
Team Selection
Fergie is a master at managing people and relationships. His use of kindred spirits like Cantona, Keane (both right), Giggs and Gary Neville bridges the generation gap. 9
Wenger’s ferocity of faith inspires those around him. But his blind spot – denial of the fallibility of successive goalkeepers counts against him. 8
Trophies
Fergie judges his career by them. He has won 35 at United and has his eyes on three more before his 70th birthday. 10
Wenger doesn’t get high on silver polish. He has won 11 at Arsenal, including four Community Shields, but the best may yet be to come. 8
Influence
Fergie is revered by younger managers as a source of advice and practical assistance. 9
Wenger is respected by his peers for the rigour of his science, and the purity of his ambition. 8
Personality
Fergie is the control freak’s control freak. Clock-watching referees, bottom-feeding journalists, and multi-millionaire players are trapped in destiny’s tornado. 8
Wenger controls the control freak. By daring to be different, and decrying the macho culture of English management, he gets under Fergie’s skin. 9
Common touch
Fergie’s sense of social injustice is no prop. He retains the perspective of a father who slaved 70 hours a week for £7, and values self-education above all else. 9
Wenger is an ideallist, shaped by self denial and the contradiction of being a broad thinker in a narrow minded business. Fabregas regards him as a surrogate father. 8
Recruitment
Fergie follows Busby’s mantra that players should be identified, cultivated, protected. He’s widened the net to entrap boys from Brazil, Mexico and Portugal. 8
Wenger scouts brilliantly in Africa, Spain and France, shapes players to his philosophy. So good Barca accuse him of immorality. 9
Ruthlessness
Fergie’s belief that no player is bigger than the club transcends family friendships and personal loyalties. Acts on “animal instinct” – doesn’t he Becks? 9
Wenger discarded street wise players who helped make his name, and sharpened his claws sufficiently to sell Anelka and Adebayor for improbable profit. 8
Final score: Fergie 88 Wenger 84
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Michael Calvin column: My 10-part test that finally proves who's the better manager out of Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal Arsene Wenger - Michael Calvin - MirrorFootball.co.uk
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