Arsene Wenger Calls Manchester United's Farewell Tribute to Him 'Very Classy'

Arsene Wenger thanked Manchester United for their "very classy" tribute after he received a rapturous reception and a pre-game gift from old rival Sir Alex Ferguson before the Red Devils downed his Arsenal side 2-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

In his last appearance at United's famous ground as Gunners manager, Wenger endured heartache as he saw his young side lose to a stoppage-time Marouane Fellaini goal, but he was gracious and grateful after the match, per Miguel Delaney of The Independent:

"I am programmed to try and win football games but I don't think that changes. I am disappointed. I am thankful to Man United because they had a nice gesture. It is the first time I get a trophy before a game. It is very classy from them.

"I haven't looked at it [the memento, properly] yet. It was just before the game so there wasn't time. I want to have a glass of red wine with Sir Alex because it is always good wine."

Sky Sports PL provided footage of the pre-match presentation:

Former United manager Ferguson and Wenger endured a bitter rivalry for much of their respective careers.

But the legendary Scotsman, as well as current Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho, gave the Frenchman a fitting send-off at Old Trafford.

United, though, were not prepared to let Wenger's Gunners side leave with anything.

They dominated the opening exchanges, and Paul Pogba put the hosts ahead in the 15th minute.

Wenger's Arsenal side—much changed with the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid approaching—rallied well, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan equalised soon after half-time against his old club.

But Fellaini then rose highest in stoppage time to turn home an ingenious back header and earn United all three points.

It meant Arsenal extended their horrific away run in 2018:

Wenger now must turn his focus to Thursday as Arsenal travel to Madrid to attempt to reach the Europa League final with the tie balanced at 1-1.