Ferguson pays tribute to Wenger after Arsenal boss reaches 811 games in charge

Arsene Wenger (left) has been praised by Sir Alex Ferguson (right)

Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to old foe Arsene Wenger after the Arsenal boss beat his Premier League record.

In presiding over Arsenal's 1-1 draw at West Brom, Wenger reached 811 Premier League games in charge - one more than Ferguson did at Manchester United.

The two regularly locked horns when their respective sides were the top flight's dominant forces, but the Scot has hailed his former adversary.

In a statement released through the League Managers Association, Ferguson said: "I applaud Arsène on surpassing my record of managing 810 Premier League games.

"It is a fantastic milestone which has required the highest standards of dedication and professional management to achieve. I doubt his record, whatever it turns out to be, will ever be beaten.

"Congratulations on a truly remarkable career and great service to football and Arsenal FC."

LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson added: "On behalf of the League Managers Association and all our members, I would like to congratulate Arsène on his record breaking achievement. 811 Premier League games, and more to come, is testimony to all he has brought to football in England and to Arsenal FC.

"There are few certainties in football, but I'm sure his record will last forever."