The managers will go head-to-head for the final time in the league this week. Goal looks back at the fierce words they have exchanged over the years
As Jose Mourinho paid respect to Arsene Wenger after his imminent Arsenal exit was announced, it seemed to confirm a recent shift in the relationship between the managers.
The Manchester United boss spoke of his "respect" for his Gunners counterpart when asked for his reaction to the news the Frenchman's reign in north London will come to an end at the end of the season.
At first, it sounded like a rare moment of diplomacy from Mourinho as one of his favourite verbal sparring partners bows out of the Premier League. However, having heard Wenger admit his "support" for the Portuguese and parise his team earlier this season, it could be that the animosity that has separated them over the years has died down.
United host Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday in a game that will see the legendary managers go head-to-head on the field for the last time.
Here, Goal looks at the finest moments off of it.
Getty ImagesWenger's whatabouteryFacing criticism for fielding an all-foreign team against Crystal Palace in February 2005, Wenger hit back with a dig at Chelsea's policy under Mourinho: "Take what Arsenal and Chelsea have won in the past eight years. I go with reality, with the football we play and the challenge we have ahead. I don't see especially that Chelsea play more English players than we do. Who have they produced, homegrown? Just one, John Terry."AdvertisementGetty Images‘Mourinho is a danger!’
The following August, a more subtle hint was directed towards coaches of the Portuguese’s ilk, when Wenger took a stand against more defensive approaches in football.
"I know we live in a world where we have only winners and losers, but once a sport encourages teams who refuse to take the initiative, the sport is in danger."
Getty ImagesWenger The Voyeur?
Two months later, Mourinho sniped back, suggesting Wenger had a rather ominous obsession with the Blues.
“Wenger has a real problem with us and I think he is what you call in England ‘a voyeur’. He is someone who likes to watch other people. There are some guys who, when they are at home, have a big telescope to see what happens in other families. Wenger must be one of them – it is a sickness. He speaks, speaks, speaks about Chelsea.”
BEN STANSALLThat’s stupid!
The Frenchman was irked by such a suggestion and hit out at Mourinho as "stupid", even considering taking legal action against him.
"I find it out of order, disconnected with reality and disrespectful. I will see if I take any action. I don't know yet but I will leave that door open. I don't know what I said that was malicious.
“When you give success to stupid people, it makes them more stupid sometimes and not more intelligent.”