Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Arsenal have shown themselves to be a "great club" after they revealed they will form a guard of honour for the newly-crowned Premier League champions.

The Old Trafford club have sealed the title with four games remaining and after Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed that they would respect United's achievements on Sunday, Ferguson was quick to show his gratitude to his opposite number.

The 71-year-old told reporters: "I am glad Arsene has done that; when they came to Old Trafford in 2002 and Sylvain Wiltord scored the only goal, we did exactly the same.

"That is what great clubs should do."

Arsenal are as many as 21 points behind United in the league table.