Fergie despairs at 'cavalier' treatment of Wenger

Alex Ferguson has launched a passionate defence of under-fire Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

After six seasons without a trophy, Wenger was already in the spotlight before the high-profile departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri this summer.

One point from two games ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League showdown with United at Old Trafford has hardly helped matters either.

Some high-profile Gunners supporters have decided it is time for a change, echoing the thoughts of what is still a silent minority, but a growing one.

However, after 15 years as a rival, Ferguson has chosen to speak out on Wenger’s behalf.

“The hounds are in full cry and they are after Arsene Wenger,” he told United Review.

“I have every sympathy for the Arsenal boss because current criticisms take us beyond the normal competitive nature of football.

“All managers live in a world of intense rivalry because it is what the game is all about but sometimes I despair at the way fans and the media focus on a manager who obviously has problems but who is treated in such a cavalier fashion.

“It is fair to say that United and Arsenal have had their battles over the years, both on and off the pitch, but I have never lost my respect for a man who is an accomplished manager and has served the Gunners well.

“I think all managers would echo that view.

“Unfortunately, the press have become more cynical, a downward plunge that started when former England manager Graham Taylor was portrayed with a turnip head for losing against the Swedes.

“It was cruel and humiliating, but that didn’t seem to matter and it was an approach that helped contaminate the minds of supporters, who are much more critical and demanding these days, encouraged by phone-ins and the like on radio.”