Arsenal are no longer progressing under Wenger, says Ferguson

SIR Alex Ferguson has suggested that Arsenal have failed to progress under Arsene Wenger in recent seasons but feels there is no one capable of replacing him.

While they have won the last two FA Cups, the Gunners haven’t won the Premier League since 2004 and are in danger of exiting this year’s Champions League at the group stage, having lost their first two matches in the competition.

A contingent of Arsenal fans have been calling for Wenger to leave the club, though many have faith in the man who has guided them to three league titles and six FA Cups.

While Ferguson hinted that the north London side have not developed for some time, he feels they would struggle to replace the Frenchman if he were sacked.

“If I hadn’t progressed Manchester United after the double-winning 1994 team or the treble-winning 1999 team, I would maybe have had the same problems as Arsene is facing now,” the 73-year-old said in an interview with ESPN.

“But he’s stayed with his conviction, he’s stayed with what he believes in.”

“Who are they going to get to replace Arsene Wenger, you know? Who are they going to get who is better than Arsene Wenger?

“And that’s why they haven’t sacked him, that’s why they’ve stuck by him.”

The former United boss added that there’s no evidence to prove that sacking managers produces success, urging sides to give their under-performing coaches more time.