Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed his fiercest rival Sir Alex Ferguson, claiming the Manchester United chief will survive all the speculation surrounding him.

Ferguson is currently embroiled in a bitter battle with major United shareholder John Magnier over stud rights to the racehorse Rock of Gibraltar. The dispute has left the Scot’s position at the helm of the English champions in doubt.

Magnier looks set to launch an inquiry into the club’s recent transfer dealings, a move which is seen as an attempt to undermine Ferguson who is waiting to sign a new contract at Old Trafford. Magnier is said to be unhappy about the club’s transfer dealingsand he and McManus have sent a letter to United’s board asking 63 questions about how the club is run.

However Arsene Wenger, whose Arsenal side currently lead United by two points at the top of the Premiership, does not believe Sir Alex will be pushed out of his job.

“I don’t think he will be forced out,” said the Frenchman.

“To me he looks to have the support of the club.

“Look at what he has achieved for them. I think he will stay and the vibes coming out are that stability will prevail.”

Wenger points to clubs being floated on the Stock Market as the reason for the disputes at Old Trafford and revealed his relief that decisions at Arsenal are not left to shareholders.

“Football is a sport which is difficult to adapt to a public company.

“We are able to make quick decisions whereas it is not so easy for them. It harms the quality of your work as a manager.

“I’m very happy with my role because it is not complicated. I can act quickly with the agreement of the board.

“The first thing Roman Abramovic did when he came to Chelsea was to buy 98 per cent of the shares which means he can do what he likes.

“Of course not every club has that luxury but your freedom is limited when you belong to shareholders.

“Manchester United aren’t doing this review because they want to, it is not fun for them. They are doing it because they have to.”