Sir Alex Ferguson said today Arsenal owe a huge debt of gratitude to Arsene Wenger.

Most of Wenger's 13 years with the Gunners have been spent going head to head with the Manchester United boss for the game's top prizes and while there have been plenty of confrontations between the pair down the years, a thaw has taken place in recent times.

And although Ferguson today avoided discussion over whether Wenger had brought the best out of him, the Scot feels the statement is particularly true of Arsenal.

"Since he has gone there, the success of the club has been fantastic," said Ferguson. "He has brought the best out of the club. He sticks to what he believes in - and so do his players.

"That is why he has been there so long. I read some quotes from his players the other day that sum up the situation well. They owe everything to him. That is nice to read."

Ferguson's 23 years at United makes him the longest serving manager in England and he feels his achievements and those of Wenger prove that if clubs give managers time, they will eventually be rewarded.

"If you look at Brian Clough, myself and Arsene, it proves longevity brings rewards," said Ferguson.

"His team play the right way and he has a stadium that is full every week. He has been an incredible manager for that football club."

United face Sunderland tomorrow, when they will be without Michael Owen, who strained his groin in the midweek win over Wolfsburg.

It had been feared the striker would be out for at least three weeks but Ferguson now expects Owen back to face Bolton on 17 October.

"We are quite pleased." said Ferguson. "It is understandable we wanted to take precautions given his past history but we are quite comfortable with the situation."

Ferguson also revealed that Edwin van der Sar and Rafael Da Silva were both nudging towards full fitness after a broken finger and shoulder surgery respectively, although neither is in contention to play at Old Trafford.