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ARSENAL are at risk of facing a post-Arsene Wenger slump in the same way Manchester United did after Sir Alex Ferguson, warns Manuel Pellegrini.

West Ham manager Pellegrini believes Arsenal can expect the same struggles United have faced in the five years since Fergie retired.

Unai Emery replaced Arsene Wenger at Arsenal after the Frenchman spent 22 years as Gunners boss
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Unai Emery replaced Arsene Wenger at Arsenal after the Frenchman spent 22 years as Gunners bossCredit: Getty - Contributor
New West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini warns Arsenal they may face a slump like Manchester United have after Sir Alex Ferguson
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New West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini warns Arsenal they may face a slump like Manchester United have after Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty - Contributor
It’s match week 3 of the Premier League as Man Utd face down Spurs and Arsenal take on West Ham

Speaking ahead of his side's trip to Arsenal on Saturday, Pellegrini said: "My opinion is that you can see what happened at Manchester United after Alex Ferguson finished.

"They were so used to winning titles and when you make a change it is not easy. At Arsenal it is the same.

"Maybe Arsene Wenger was criticised over the last three seasons because they did not challenge for the title until the end of the season, but to change the team and change the image is not easy."

Since Sir Alex left Old Trafford after winning United's 20th league title in 2013, United have struggled under David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal and now Jose Mourinho.

Ferguson left United in 2013 after guiding them to their 20th league title but they have since struggled to win trophies
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Ferguson left United in 2013 after guiding them to their 20th league title but they have since struggled to win trophiesCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Ferguson helped select David Moyes as his successor but the fellow Scot only lasted nine months at Old Trafford
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Ferguson helped select David Moyes as his successor but the fellow Scot only lasted nine months at Old TraffordCredit: AP:Associated Press

In the league, the Red Devils have finished seventh, fourth, fifth, sixth and second and have picked up one FA Cup,  one League Cup and the Europa League.

It is a stark contrast to the almost guaranteed trophy-a-season under Ferguson, and Pellegrini believes Arsenal may well be in for the same.

Wenger spent 22 years in charge as Arsenal manager, leading the club to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups.

He was replaced this summer by Unai Emery at the Emirates but the new head coach has struggled in his opening matches, losing to Manchester City and Chelsea and being criticised for his tactics.

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Wenger won the last of his three Premier Leagues back in 2003/04 when he led the Invincibles to the titleCredit: PA:Press Association
Emery has endured a difficult start at Arsenal with defeats in his opening two Premier League games
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 Emery has endured a difficult start at Arsenal with defeats in his opening two Premier League gamesCredit: Reuters
Arsenal manager Unai Emery says Jack Wilshere will get a good reaction when he returns with West Ham this Saturday

Pellegrini too knows what it takes to win the Premier League after winning the title with Manchester City in 2013/14.

And in his new role at West Ham, he will face an Arsenal side not managed by Wenger for the first time.

He added: "Maybe Arsene Wenger could not win the Premier League title in recent years but he was always fighting for the cup and for the title for at least part of the season, so Arsenal fans must be very happy for the work he did there.

"It will be strange not to see him. You always link that team with him."

Pellegrini will face an Arsenal side not managed by Arsene Wenger for the first time this weekend
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Pellegrini will face an Arsenal side not managed by Arsene Wenger for the first time this weekendCredit: PA:Press Association
The Chilean led Manchester City to the Premier League title in 2013/14
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The Chilean led Manchester City to the Premier League title in 2013/14Credit: AFP

Like Arsenal, West Ham are yet to pick up a Premier League point this season following defeats to Liverpool and Bournemouth.

Jack Wilshere, released by Arsenal this summer after 17 years at the club, is one of the new West Ham signings brought in by Pellegrini this summer.

He is preparing to face the Gunners for the first time and is keen to prove a point.

Wilshere said: "It's down to me to prove a point to Arsenal that they were wrong to get rid of me.

Jack Wilshere is preparing to face Arsenal for the first time in his career this weekend
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Jack Wilshere is preparing to face Arsenal for the first time in his career this weekendCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Wilshere was released by the Gunners after 17 years and joined West Ham, the club he supports, on a free transfer
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Wilshere was released by the Gunners after 17 years and joined West Ham, the club he supports, on a free transferCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"It'll be a strange one for me as I was never able to go there and play when I went out on loan as you can't play against your parent club.

"But it's one I'm looking forward to... I quite fancy our chances."

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