Arsene Wenger has to take a lot of grief from people who just won't accept that he is one of the English Premier League's top two managers.

The Horse uses "manager" in preference to "coach" in Wenger's case because his influence and concerns at Arsenal extend way beyond simply ensuring success on the pitch.

The Frenchman, under fire for a perceived lack of success, in turn blamed the recent departure of top players Cesc Fabregas (to Barcelona) and Samir Nasri (to Manchester City), and recently declared: "I will decide what is best for this club. You can question my decisions but not my loyalty."

It sounds arrogant, but it is really Wenger's acceptance of responsibility for all aspects of the operations of, by consensus, England's best-run club.

Many of his critics appear to forget that Wenger once led Arsenal through a truly incredible unbeaten season, that he captured numerous titles and trophies and that he transformed Thierry Henry from an interesting winger to arguably Europe's most feared striker.

It is similarly easy to forget that when the now-departed Nasri arrived at the Emirates a couple of seasons ago he was still happily encased in puppy fat and far from the top player Wenger made him. Ditto, Fabregas.

And it is also overlooked that a few short years ago Arsenal moved to a spanking new - and very expensive - 60000-capacity stadium.

Clubs traditionally struggle after such a move but Wenger has handled the cash sensibly, while ensuring the Gunners partake of the lucrative Champions League pie every single season.

In return, he has been doubted, insulted and even faced calls from the peanut gallery for his resignation.

On Wednesday night, Arsenal again qualified for the European competition as the long-suffering gaffer faced possibly the most important test of his career at Italy's Udinese.

Playing without both former stars for the first time and in the wake of two indifferent Premier League performances - his side was booed from the field by their own supporters after losing to Liverpool - Wenger's boys eventually got to grips with their speedy opponents to score a memorable victory.

Against the Italians you could see the Wenger passing system reasserting itself, the gaps left by Fabregas and Nasri being filled, and it bodes well for them in today's big match.

The problem for Wenger, however, is he has to face that other legend of English football, Alex Ferguson - and in Fergie's back yard to boot.

Two matches down the line, Ferguson's Manchester United are already firm title favourites and they boast a home record second to none.

Fergie has revamped his team seemingly overnight and might, for the first time, field a side even more strongly stamped with that Wenger trademark - youth.

The bookies have the Red Devils as firm 5-10 favourites, with Wenger's team at 5-1 and a draw at 7-2. Arsenal plus the draw is 15-10 and in the belief that the Gunners are ready to give a brave account of themselves - that's the bet I'm daring to go for.