The Frenchman received words of encouragement and a consoling arm from Ferguson at the full-time whistle, a rare moment of warmth between the two men.

Wenger said: "I won't say what he said. It's private. I am very proud. We showed quality and spirit today. What can we do?

"We understand what has happened in the latter stages of the season and we accept it. We had plenty of chances and we were unlucky not to win. But we are getting used to this now. I think this team is good enough. We've just had a blip.

"The target now is to watch the team develop. We feel we have the quality. We are young and we will get better."