MANCHESTER -- Jose Mourinho has admitted he has "regrets" about his fractious relationship with Arsene Wenger and hopes the Frenchman will get a good reception from Manchester United fans on his final trip to Old Trafford as Arsenal manager this weekend.
Mourinho branded Wenger, who will leave the Emirates at the end of the season, a "specialist in failure" and a "voyeur" during his time in charge of Chelsea, while their spat also featured a touchline bust-up in 2014.
But ahead of Arsenal's trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, Mourinho says he is happier their relationship is now more cordial.
He told a news conference on Friday: "There are little things where it would be obviously better without them, some gestures, some words would be better without it.
"I feel better now without it, no doubts about it. Regret? The little negative episodes, yes I do and maybe he does."
Wenger has been subjected to abuse from sections of United's support during his 22 years in charge of Arsenal.
It prompted Sir Alex Ferguson to issue a plea to fans to stop singing one particular chant in 2010.
Mourinho, however, says he hopes Wenger receives a warm reception at Old Trafford.
"I always feel the biggest rivals are our biggest friends," he said.
"They're the ones that pushed us to the limit and I think Manchester United fans know that until 2004, for about a decade, it was between Manchester United and Arsenal, was between Sir Alex Ferguson and Mr Wenger and I think that these great teams Arsenal had and the fight, shoulder to shoulder, with Manchester United made Manchester United better and better.
"I hope he has a good reaction, if not good, not bad at all and from us at the club he is going to feel the respect we have."
Alexis Sanchez will face his former team for the first time since his January move to Old Trafford.
The Chilean, who has scored three goals in 14 games, has admitted he has found it "difficult" at his new club.
But after scoring against Tottenham at Wembley last weekend, Mourinho believes the 29-year-old is getting back to his best.
He said: "We all know how good he was, that's why he was chased by many teams I believe, that's why we fought to have him here and I was since day one sure he was the right player.
"Not just by the typical football qualities but also by his mentality and we needed that, a little bit more experience, mental aggressiveness and I knew sooner or later were coming.
"I don't like the January market but it was now or never and now if we can have good Alexis until the end of the season it is better for us.
"We need seven points, we have a final to play, can he help us? I hope so, and next season after preseason, after being comfortable and adapted he's going to be great for us."