Ferguson's leaked text mocks Arsenal's defensive display in Champions League final defeat

Sir Alex Ferguson sent a pointed text message to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi following Paris Saint-Germain’s penalty shoot-out victory over Arsenal in the Champions League final at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, according to a report from L’Equipe. The former Manchester United manager reportedly offered his congratulations while delivering a blunt assessment of Mikel Arteta’s side.

Ferguson’s message, as reported by L’Equipe, read: “Nasser, this is Alex Ferguson. Well done, it was a tough night for you, but you played against a boring team that did nothing but defend. Enjoy your holidays, you deserve it.” However, journalist Ben Jacobs subsequently reported that those were not Ferguson’s exact words, suggesting the former United boss instead praised PSG by saying, “You were the team that played football.”

The statistics from the final lend some weight to the criticism directed at Arsenal. Arteta’s side managed less than 25 per cent of possession across 120 minutes, with their only goal — Kai Havertz’s early opener — also being their sole shot on target. Ousmane Dembele’s second-half penalty levelled the match before Eberechi Eze and Gabriel both missed from the spot to hand PSG the trophy.

PSG midfielder Joao Neves echoed the sentiment after the final whistle, saying: “We deserved it today, because PSG were the only team that wanted to play.” The Portuguese international, who joined the club last summer, added: “Coming here was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Al-Khelaifi was visibly emotional after PSG claimed back-to-back European titles. “Today is an amazing history day,” the president said. “Last year, back to back, it’s not easy, the Champions League is difficult. So proud of the team, of the coach, of the staff, of the fans. Everybody doubted us again, but thank god we made it and we believed.”

Ferguson, who won the Champions League with United in 1999 and 2008, has no formal role at Old Trafford but remains a prominent figure in the game. His reported message adds a notable footnote to a final that has already prompted widespread debate about Arsenal’s tactical approach under Arteta.