Wenger: Ferguson to survive the battle at United

ARSENE WENGER does not believe Alex Ferguson will be forced out of Manchester United in his dispute with shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus – as he would be too much of a loss to the club.

However, Wenger feels United are paying the price of listing their club on the Stock Exchange as opposed to the flexibility which Arsenal, who are not a plc, have in the transfer market.

And the Arsenal boss has no intention of making public any transfer fees or payments to agents, unless he is required to do so.

In contrast, United will conduct an internal inquiry into transfer dealings after the intervention of Magnier and McManus, with whom Ferguson is in dispute over stud fees for the racehorse, Rock of Gibraltar.

The Irish racing tycoons have also reportedly been attempting to delay the club's discussions over Ferguson's new contract, leading to renewed speculation over the United boss' future.

Wenger nevertheless said: "I think he will stay there. I don't know for sure how serious these things are, but the vibes coming out of the club are that stability will prevail.

"I don't think he will be forced out. He looks to have the support of everybody at the club. Would he be a big loss to them? Just look at what he has achieved."

While United were recently required, under Stock Exchange rules, to reveal the fee for Louis Saha, as well as their payments to agents, Arsenal can be far more private in their

transfer dealings.

When Jose Antonio Reyes joined the club yesterday from Seville, subject to a medical, they did not even release the transfer fee.

"Manchester United don't do it because it's fun. It's because they have no choice as they are a public company," said Wenger.

"If the rules are that we have to disclose the fees, we will do it. If those aren't the rules, then we won't do it.

"The public's appreciation of the player is linked with how much was paid for him. But all that really matters is what he does on the pitch.

"People say that the 'stg£10million player' has crossed the ball. But, for me, all that matters is whether he's crossed the ball well or not."

Wenger believes Arsenal can also move more quickly in the transfer market because they are not listed on the Stock Exchange.

"Once you're a public company, your freedom is limited as you belong to the shareholders. That's why you have to disclose what is going on," he added.

"When Roman Abramovich came to Chelsea, the first thing he did was buy 98% of the shares and then he could do what he wants. But it's a luxury that not all clubs can afford now.

"I prefer to keep things quieter, though as football is a sport which is difficult to adapt to being a public company as you lose flexibility.

"We need to consult our board but, if you disclose too much, you lose part of your flexibility in deals and that can harm the quality of the work that a manager can do."

As for agents' fees, Wenger added: "What we have to try to do is sort out for whom the agent works for.

"There is sometimes a grey area as to whether he works for the club or the player.

"It would be better to fix the percentage of the transfer fee for the agent at perhaps five per cent.

"Then you would not need to disclose it at all as everyone would already know," Wenger said.