Arsene Wenger took time at the end of his final home match as Arsenal manager to wish his old adversary Alex Ferguson a quick recovery following news of his emergency surgery after a brain haemorrhage.
The former Manchester United boss, who won 38 trophies in his 26-and-a-half years at the club, remains in hospital in Salford after it emerged on Saturday evening that he was seriously ill in intensive care.
Wenger, who was presented with a memento to mark his impending departure from the Gunners by the Scot at Old Trafford last weekend, addressed fans on the pitch following his side's 5-0 Premier League victory over Burnley on Sunday afternoon.
He said: "Before I start, I just want to say, at Arsenal we care and I would like to wish my fellow manager Ferguson well and very quickly."
The Frenchman added: "I was with him on the pitch last week, I went to see him in the box after the game on Sunday. One week later, he looked in perfect shape.
"He told me he's doing a lot of exercise, he looked very happy, but that kind of accident can happen.
"We wish him very well and that he recovers very, very quickly. He's a strong man and an optimistic man. I got calls last night from Manchester and nobody knew exactly what it is."
City boss Pep Guardiola was also among the Premier League managers to put football rivalries to one side and offer his best wishes to Ferguson.
He told Sky Sports ahead of the champions' 0-0 draw with Huddersfield: "Brian Kidd, who is here now, was with (Alex) for a lot of time, so a big hug and our thoughts are with his wife Cathy and the Manchester United family.
"I was glad to have dinner with him two weeks ago, and hopefully he can recover as quickly as possible."
Scotland manager Alex McLeish, who played under Ferguson at Aberdeen, said through the Scottish Football Association: "He means the world to me and so many of his other former players, colleagues and opponents."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted his shock at the news.
He said after his side's 1-0 defeat at Chelsea: "I met Sir Alex after the first game against Roma (in the Champions League semi-finals). He passed my way. I had a few words with him.
"When I heard it yesterday on the way to London, I really couldn't believe it. It can happen to all of us.
"He is absolutely - he was last night and will be - in my prayers 100 per cent. I wish him and his family all the best.
"He will be in a good shape again. I'm 100 per cent sure. I'm looking forward to seeing him again."
