Fergie slates Wenger and Bates

Ferguson's double blast at rivals Wenger and Bates

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hit out at "carping" Arsene Wenger and compared Ken Bates to Chairman Mao.

Ferguson launches his attacks on the Arsenal manager and the Chelsea chairman in the latest series of revelations from his updated autobiography `Managing My Life.'

He is upset that Highbury counterpart Wenger refuses to give his Old Trafford stars the credit they deserve for winning the Premiership title.

"Anyone who looks at the 18-point gap that separated our two clubs last season must wonder why he still appears to doubt our worthiness as champions," says Ferguson.

"Arsene Wenger disappoints me when he is reluctant to give Manchester United credit for what we have achieved, and I don't think his carping has made a good impression on the other Premiership managers.

Arsene Wenger - under fire

"When Arsenal captured the Double in 1998 I held my hands up and praised them unreservedly for the storming finish to the season that had pushed us aside and given them the glory.

"I could have dwelt on the damage done to our chances by our horrendous toll of injuries, but I knew the hour belonged to Arsenal and saluted an exceptional team and their exceptional manager.

"I suppose I will just have to accept that, between Old Trafford and Highbury, appreciation is pretty much a one-way street."

Ferguson is also unimpressed by Bates' outbursts from his position of power at Stamford Bridge.

Has any chairman since Mao had more faith in his own opinions than Ken Bates?

  Sir Alex Ferguson

The United boss says: "Has any chairman since Mao had more faith in his own opinions than Ken Bates? If laying down the law was an Olympic sport the Chelsea chief would be staggering under the weight of gold medals.

"I don't suppose he will ever change. Just about everybody in the game has had to take the sharp end of his tongue, or put up with being a target for the aggression he pours into his writings in the club programme.

"Any manager or player who said half as much would never be out of Lancaster Gate."