Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Arsene Wenger as "an absolute legend" as the former Arsenal boss enjoyed a special night in his honour.
On Monday night, Wenger was named a 'Legend of Football' at the annual Nordoff Robbins charity award dinner.
Wenger was celebrated after a career in which he won trophies as a manager in England, France and Japan - but most notably during his 21-year tenure as manager of Arsenal.
During that time, Wenger won three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups and seven FA Community Shields.
He also enjoyed a heated rivalry with Ferguson, whose Manchester United side, together with Wenger's Arsenal, dominated English football in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The rivalry often spilled over into bust-ups - famously including 'Pizzagate', when Ferguson took a slice of pizza in the face in the tunnel after his United side had ended Arsenal 49-game unbeaten Premier League run.
Ferguson's comments on his French counterpart over the years have included, "He's a novice. He should keep his opinions to Japanese football", while Wenger once insisted he would "never speak about that man again".
But speaking on Sunday night, Ferguson was effusive in his praise of Wenger.
Addressing his old adversary via video, Ferguson said: "The career you had as a manager at Arsenal was absolutely fantastic - an absolute legend.
"I loved the competition against you. We had some great times and it's wonderful you're getting this award tonight. So good luck, my blessing with you."
Ferguson himself has been a past recipient of the 'Legends of Football' award, which has been handed out since 1996.
Others who have been honoured include Kenny Dalglish, Alan Shearer, Eric Cantona, Jose Mourinho, Ryan Giggs, Pele, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, with the annual dinner having raised £8million for the Nordoff Robins music therapy charity.
