Wenger: I was never tempted by Manchester United job

Arsene Wenger doesn't regret turning down Manchester United in 2001 - even though the Red Devils made a serious push to hire him.

United's interest in Wenger became public knowledge two weeks ago, when longtime United chairman Martin Edwards revealed to GQ Magazine he'd identified the Frenchman as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor.

The two held a secret meeting together in London, but Wenger ultimately rejected the opportunity in order to remain in charge of Arsenal, where he eventually presided over the Invincibles in 2003-04.

Wenger told The Telegraph's Jeremy Wilson he wasn't tempted by the proposition of coaching United because "I love the values of (Arsenal) and, for me, a club is about values first."

He added: "A lot has changed, but when I came here, this club was about the values that I love in this sport. That is why I am still in the competition.

"When I arrived here, we were 90 staff; today we are 700. Most of them I don't know anymore. Of course Manchester United is attractive but I always question myself. Am I happy here? That answer was yes."

The likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich also came calling, but Wenger decided to stay put. He helped turn Arsenal - once a football club predicated on dreary, mechanical football - into an innovator in terms of tactics, diet, and organisation.

The goodwill he earned from supporters over the years waned as results turned against the Gunners. But Saturday's 3-0 win over Bournemouth kept some of the boobirds away - for now.