Arsene Wenger Confirms He Was Offered Manchester United Job

Arsene Wenger might have been Manchester United manager at some point, with the Frenchman confirming he was offered the job, but not when.

In the late 90s and early 00s it would have been absolutely inconceivable to imagine the former Arsenal manager in charge at Old Trafford.

Whether it was arguments on the touchline, mind games in the press or pizza being hurled by one of his players, it's fair to say Wenger wasn't well liked at Old Trafford or by Sir Alex Ferguson.

By the time Fergie retired though the pair had a much higher mutual respect for each other and the rivalry had longed died down, according to the former Gunners' boss to the point he was offered the job as manager.

Speaking about PSG, in an interview with the Times, Wenger said, "I was offered that job a few times," he was then asked, 'How about Man Utd?' answering, "Yes."

But when asked 'when,' the the 70-year-old wasn't so forthcoming, "I don't tell you that. But I can tell you Man Utd offered me the job."

Wenger and Fergie didn't always get on. Image: PA Images

The offer must have come in the past seven years, since Fergie retired. Before then United would only have thought about replacing the Scotsman in 2001.

At that point the 13 times Premier League winner had announced he would retire at the end of the season, before reversing his decision, but the rivalry with Arsenal was strong at that time and Wenger never would have been in the picture.

12 years later when the former Aberdeen manager did hang up his chewing gum it could have been time for Wenger to step in, with United replacing Fergie with David Moyes.

One of Wenger's most famous moments at Old Trafford. Image: PA Images

Speaking about his relationship with his old foe, Wenger said, "We have a lot of respect for each other now. We had a period when it was very tough, very hot.

"After you're not competing any more, everyone becomes a bit more objective.

"He [Ferguson] knows better wine than I do.

"Ah, we had some good battles. He's an intelligent man. You don't make a career like this guy if you're stupid."

Earlier this year Wenger could have been back in management as he was offered the job at Barcelona, to take over from Quique Setien, but he rejected the offer.

Topics: Football News, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, PSG, Arsene Wenger, Premier League, Juventus, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, David Moyes

Ryan Sidle

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