Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that the referee for his side’s game at Manchester United will feel less pressure now that Alex Ferguson is no longer in the opposition dug-out.
Sunday’s Premier League encounter at Old Trafford will mark the first time that the two teams have met with someone other than Ferguson in charge of United since August 1986, following the 71-year-old’s retirement in May.
Wenger endured several defeats at Ferguson’s hands and he has suggested that the long-serving Scot’s presence may have put pressure on match officials to favour United. When asked how Ferguson’s absence would affect matters on Sunday, the Frenchman replied: ‘That is a question you shouldn’t ask me, but the referees.
‘Every year there is a company who makes the table reasoned without the referees’ mistakes, so check that.’ Wenger added, with a smile: ‘I think the referees were absolutely relaxed.’
Sunday’s Premier League encounter at Old Trafford will mark the first time that the two teams have met with someone other than Ferguson in charge of United since August 1986, following the 71-year-old’s retirement in May.
Wenger endured several defeats at Ferguson’s hands and he has suggested that the long-serving Scot’s presence may have put pressure on match officials to favour United. When asked how Ferguson’s absence would affect matters on Sunday, the Frenchman replied: ‘That is a question you shouldn’t ask me, but the referees.
‘Every year there is a company who makes the table reasoned without the referees’ mistakes, so check that.’ Wenger added, with a smile: ‘I think the referees were absolutely relaxed.’