Manchester United wanted Arsene Wenger to replace Sir Alex Ferguson.
Arsene Wenger turned down the opportunity to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager.
Sir Alex initially decided to leave his Old Trafford post at the end of the 2001/02 season.
And the club's chairman at the time, Martin Edwards - now honorary life president - has revealed Wenger was his 'first choice' to replace the Scot and that he met the Arsenal manager several times.
“I have to say that his decision came as both a surprise and a shock to all of us," Edwards told GQ Magazine of Fergie's decision to quit.
The Scot made a u-turn and eventually left his role after 27 glorious years in 2013. But before his change of heart Edwards was forced to look for a ereplacement.
"Once we realised that he was very serious about it and that his mind was made up, there were lots of discussions at board level about a possible replacement.
"Our first choice was Arsene Wenger. Since joining Arsenal in 1996, Wenger had been pretty successful, especially in his first full season in charge when he won the Double.
"And while it’s true to say that he has suffered hard times since, at the time we all thought he was the best candidate to replace Alex. Certainly he was my No.1 choice."
Edwards believes Wenger was tempted to make the controversial switch - but remained in London out of loyalty to Arsenal chairman David Dien.- manchesterunitedeveningnews