Legendary Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger have become the first set of managers to be inducted into the Premier League’s hall of fame.

The duo’s rivalry spanned decades and created a competitive atmosphere between Manchester United and Arsenal.

“Legendary managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have today been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame,” the Premier League said in a statement on Wednesday morning.

Both managers, who made history during their time in the English league, became the first class of inductees for 2023.

The Premier League’ hall of fame was introduced in 2021.

Ferguson spent almost three decades at Old Trafford and dominated the 1990s and early 2000s winning 13 Premier League titles including seasons in a row on two separate occasions.

Famous for his fatherly-like strict leadership and disciplinary coaching style, the 81-year-old holds the Premier League all-time record matches won with 528 wins from 810 matches and 1,752 points accumulated in his 21 seasons.

Six players coached by Ferguson were already inducted into the hall of game. They are David Beckham, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney, Peter Schmeichel and Paul Scholes.

“I’m truly delighted to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. It’s an honour when you receive recognition like this,” said Ferguson.

He added, “However, it’s not just about me as a person. It’s about the job at Manchester United and the bond we had over many years, so I’m also proud of the club, the staff and my players.”

Wenger spent a record 22 seasons with Arsenal and won three Premier League titles including the historic “The Invincibles” achievement in the 2003/04 season by winning the league title without losing a game.

The iconic moment has stood the test of time since then and no manager has ever been close to matching the record which looks set to stand for a foreseeable future.

Wenger joined Arsenal in 1996 and managed a record 828 Premier League matches, including 476 wins and 199 draws.

Two of his products Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, who extensively contributed to Wenger’s successful reign at the Emirates have been inducted into the hall of fame.

“I am very grateful to have been selected for the Premier League Hall of Fame,” he said. “We always wanted to give something special to the fans and when you have players capable of remarkable things, the most important thing for me is the obligation of perfection.”