Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says it has been a great honour to battle with rival manager Alex Ferguson over the last three years.
The Italian has paid tribute to the Manchester United chief who has announced he will leave Old Trafford at the end of this season after almost 27 years in charge.
Mancini has praised his foe after three years of battles for the Premier League and other major honours in England.
“For me, it has been a great honour and pleasure to compete against Sir Alex for three years. It was a great honour to beat him in Old Trafford and I wish him good luck for his future.
“I don’t think there will be another manager like him.
“I don’t know if you can say Sir Alex is the best (ever) but he is the best in the last 27 years.”
David Moyes will replace Ferguson at Old Trafford and Mancini dismissed concerns that the change could hinder United’s ability to challenge for major trophies.
Mancini’s side play Wigan in Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley and, beyond earning City their third trophy in as many years, victory would also ensure Moyes’ first competitive game as United boss would be against the Blues in August’s Community Shield.
While some believe the FA Cup has lost its magic in recent years, Mancini does not agree and insists it is important for City to win the trophy after failing to retain their Premier League title.
“When you start the season you want to win the best trophies and more every year but it is not always possible.
“To get to this final, we have had a good season but not like last season where we won the Premier League.
“I think it is the second trophy in England after the Premier League and an important trophy for everyone. It is a chance to get another Cup and we want to do a good job.”
City, who defeated Stoke City 1-0 in the 2011 final, are the clear bookmakers’ favourites to beat Wigan but Mancini is not taking the opposition lightly despite the Latics’ struggles in the Premier League.
Wigan go into their first FA Cup final three points from league safety with just two games of the season remaining.
“I don’t think in the final there is one favourite,” he said.
“We had problems in the last final, Stoke played very well. To play the FA Cup final in Wembley is different.
“I think that the final is the final, it is not important what can happen in the Premier League.
“After (the final) I think they have a chance (to stay up) because they have two games to stay in the Premier League. Also, (Roberto) Martinez is a very strong manager.”
