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Wenger - Man Utd face a double challenge

Arsene Wenger believes Manchester United have a major task on their hands in adapting to life without Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 71-year-old announced last week that he will retire at the end of the season, with Everton manager David Moyes confirmed as Ferguson's replacement.

Wenger says the departure of a man who led United to 13 Premier League titles could have a big impact on the champions and Ferguson himself.

“It is sad because it is the end of a remarkable career,” said Wenger. “He got a lot of praise, which he deserves.

"It is sad because it is the end of a remarkable career... He got a lot of praise, which he deserves"

Arsene Wenger

“There is a double challenge now. The first is for Manchester United to replace a guy of that stature, and the second challenge is for Alex Ferguson to have a life as passionate and as interesting as the life he had until now. But you have to respect the decision.”

Ferguson’s retirement will see Wenger assume the mantle as the Premier League’s longest-serving manager, and he underlined the importance of stability.

“I have the luck to be at this club for a long time because I have the faith of my directors and I am grateful for that,” he said. “I try to pay that faith back by having complete commitment and dedication and giving my best.

“I am against [short-termism] because I believe stability is needed inside clubs for people who represent the values that a club wants to carry though. Inside the club it is important to have people who represent these values. The manager can be one of these people if he has been there a long time.

“I believe in stability. We have rebuilt the team and since January we have certainly done very well if you look at the number of points we have taken compared to the other teams.

“We have created a good basis and that stability can help us start strongly next season."