Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly took aim at Arsenal's performance in the Champions League final after Paris Saint-Germain retained their European crown with a dramatic penalty shootout victory in Budapest.
According to reports in France, the former Manchester United manager sent a congratulatory message to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi following the match and criticised Mikel Arteta's side for their defensive approach.
Arsenal's hopes of completing a historic Premier League and Champions League double were ended as PSG recovered from an early setback to triumph on penalties at the Puskás Aréna.
Arsenal fall short in Champions League final
The Gunners made a dream start when Kai Havertz fired them ahead inside six minutes, putting Arteta's side on course for what would have been the club's first Champions League title.
However, PSG gradually took control of the contest and found an equaliser through Ousmane Dembélé from the penalty spot.
Neither side could find a winner before the match headed to a shootout, where misses from Eberechi Eze and Gabriel proved costly as Luis Enrique's side successfully defended the trophy they won 12 months earlier.
The result completed another memorable European campaign for PSG while leaving Arsenal to reflect on a painful near miss.
Ferguson’s reported message emerges
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Ferguson contacted Al-Khelaifi shortly after the final whistle.
The former Manchester United manager reportedly congratulated PSG on their achievement while offering a blunt assessment of Arsenal’s display.
“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.”
— Reportedly from Sir Alex Ferguson via L’Equipe
The comments have quickly generated discussion given Ferguson’s status as one of the most successful managers in football history.
Arteta praises PSG after defeat
While Ferguson’s alleged remarks were critical, Arteta adopted a very different tone in his post-match assessment.
The Arsenal manager congratulated PSG and described Luis Enrique’s side as the strongest team currently operating in world football.
“I want to congratulate PSG, Luis Enrique in particular, because they are, in my opinion, the best team in the world.” — Mikel Arteta
Arteta also highlighted PSG’s ability to dominate possession and force opponents into uncomfortable defensive positions.
Having followed Arsenal throughout the season, the final represented a rare occasion where the Premier League champions spent prolonged periods without control of the ball.
Questions raised over Arsenal attack
The statistics from Budapest have inevitably fuelled debate about Arsenal’s attacking options.
Despite taking an early lead, the Gunners managed only one shot on target throughout the entire match and finished with just 25 per cent possession.
Those numbers have strengthened calls for reinforcements in forward areas during the summer transfer window.
Several pundits, including Jamie Carragher, have suggested Arsenal need additional firepower at centre-forward and on the left wing if they are to take the final step in Europe.
| Champions League Final Stats | Arsenal |
|---|---|
| Result | Lost on penalties |
| Shots on Target | 1 |
| Possession | 25% |
| Goalscorer | Kai Havertz |
Source: Match statistics, updated 31 May 2026
Key Points
- Arsenal lost the Champions League final to PSG on penalties.
- Kai Havertz scored Arsenal's only goal.
- PSG retained the Champions League title.
- Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly described Arsenal as "boring" in a message to Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
- Arsenal managed one shot on target and 25% possession.
- Mikel Arteta labelled PSG "the best team in the world".
What's next?
Arsenal's attention now turns towards strengthening the squad for another title challenge next season. Arteta has already hinted that important decisions will be required if the club wants to bridge the final gap at European level.
Meanwhile, PSG continue to establish themselves as one of the dominant forces in modern football after becoming only the second team in the Champions League era to successfully defend the trophy.
Do you agree with Ferguson's reported assessment of Arsenal's performance, or were the Gunners simply beaten by a superior PSG side?
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