Darren Ferguson: ‘Arsène Wenger is sorting the tickets for my father at Arsenal’
Doncaster’s manager will recreate a famous touchline pairing when he takes on Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. He discusses Wenger, Sir Alex’s advice and his Premier League ambitions
In his office overlooking Doncaster Rovers’ lush training pitches Darren Ferguson is telling a story that neatly illustrates how close his father, Sir Alex, and Arsène Wenger are these days. Ferguson Jr’s side play Arsenal on Wednesday night in a Carabao Cup tie that pits two famous managerial names against each other again.
Ferguson Sr and Wenger were sworn enemies during the late 1990s and early 2000s, when Manchester United and Arsenal duelled as English football’s pre‑eminent forces. The enmity, though, has faded and Wenger’s friendship with the retired Scot is borne out by the fact the Frenchman is helping Ferguson Sr to be at the Emirates to see his son’s side take on the Gunners.